Pandemonium broke out in parts of Benin City, Edo State capital, on Sunday after suspected thugs allegedly attacked and stripped naked the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former governor, Godwin Obaseki.
The incident, which has since sparked outrage on social media, occurred at Uwa Primary School, where the victim was said to have gone to play football with friends.
A viral video seen by PLATFORM TIMES showed the visibly shaken businessman being assaulted and stripped by a group of young men, while passers-by watched in shock. The attackers were heard accusing him of being an “enemy” of the Oba of Benin.
Eyewitnesses said the suspected thugs subsequently marched Obaseki to the Oba of Benin’s Palace, where he was allegedly forced to kneel at the palace gate.
Sources at the palace said the attackers informed palace guards that they had apprehended an Oghion — a perceived enemy of the Oba — and demanded that action be taken against him.
However, some palace chiefs who addressed the youths in Bini language reportedly cautioned against any breakdown of law and order, noting the significance of the day.
One of the chiefs was quoted as saying, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa Cathedral. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who considers himself an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
Despite protests from the suspected thugs, the chiefs later intervened and took Obaseki into the palace, effectively preventing further violence.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Police Command nor the palace authorities had issued an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to reach police spokespersons for comments were unsuccessful, while concerns continue to mount over the rising cases of mob action and jungle justice in the state.
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