Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the violent attack, humiliation and abduction of his cousin, Dr Pedro Obaseki, describing the incident as a dangerous slide toward anarchy and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the former governor said Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was assaulted at Uwa Primary School by armed thugs allegedly acting on the instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
According to the former governor, Pedro was subjected to physical assault, intimidation and torture before being forcefully taken to the palace.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the visibly brutalised Dr Pedro, stripped of his clothing, being escorted to the palace by some youths, where they were reportedly received by some palace chiefs.
His offence, according to them: “He Insulted The Oba Of Benin While In The UK.”
Reacting to the development, Obaseki described the incident as a reckless disregard for the rule of law and a gross violation of human dignity.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin”, he said.
Expressing shock over the alleged involvement of the palace, Obaseki said, “I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.”
He warned that allowing non-state actors to unlawfully exercise force on behalf of powerful individuals would undermine the foundations of society.
“A situation where thugs and non-state actors freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome—a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one any good”, Obaseki added.
The former governor called on security agencies to immediately and transparently investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable in line with the law.
He also urged human rights organisations, civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a barbaric and shameful act and a gross violation of human rights.
