Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has distanced himself from the attack meted out on Dr. Pedro Obaseki.
Don Pedro, is the cousin of the immediate past governor of Edo State
Recall that Pedro Obaseki was on Sunday bundled at Uwa Primary School where he went to play football with his friends and was stripped naked and dragged through the major streets down to the Palace of the Oba of Benin where he was made to kneel down.
Recall also that this action has generated a lot of criticisms.
Citizens have been calling for the arrest of those who assaulted him.
The Obaseki’s family has also condemned the attack, calling it barbaric.
“They seem to have brazenly taken the law into their own hands in a most despicable and humiliating manner. This is a fundamental issue with far-reaching ramifications for public peace and the rule of law.
“The Obaseki Council has watched a bit to digest the bizarre matter and awaited the reactions of constituted competent authorities before issuing this statement.
“The scenes circulating in the public domain are despicable, savage, barbaric and wholly antithetical to the refined, disciplined, and culture of the Benin people.
“It is capable of reversing the image of Benin as the home of culture and peace. As a minimum first step, it should be roundly called out and condemned.
“No father, mother, brother, sister, or person of good conscience can witness such sordid humiliation of a son of Benin—a respected professional, cultural ambassador, and member of a front-line, noble family—without being profoundly shaken.
“The Obaseki Council (family)wishes to state categorically, that it is not political or partisan. Our family has always been robust enough to accommodate diverse political views and personal convictions, provided they are exercised with civility, respect for others, and strict adherence to the law”, Obaseki said.
In statement made by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), and signed by its secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, said the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin.
He said it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of the monarch to do so adding that the Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.
Mr. Irabor further advised the youths not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.
Irabor urged them to always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow apprioprate security agencies handle all matters.
The BTC secretary also advised all social media users to always endeavour to cross-check information appriopriately before posting.
He further said the Oba wishes everyone a happy New Year.