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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Obaseki family has said that they are in absolute support of Dr Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki’s action to seek full legal redress and recompense for the assault meted out to him.
Don Pedro Obaseki was on Sunday stripped naked and dragged along the streets to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
The family declared its full support during a press briefing in Benin City while condemning the act.
Speaking for the family, Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, the Okaegbe (head) of the Obaseki Family Worldwide, said the move to support their son is to uphold the rule of law over jungle justice.
Pa Obaseki said that they had watched the video of how their son, Don Pedro, was assaulted and waited patiently to get the reactions of concerned authorities before expressing their views.
“The Obaseki Council (family) has been deeply disturbed by the deplorable incident of mob violence and public humiliation meted out in broad daylight to our son, Dr Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, on Sunday, 28 December 2025, by suspected individuals who are neither palace functionaries nor agents of the state.
“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 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.
Pa Obaseki, who is the head of the family, added that on these counts, Dr Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki has conducted himself honourably, and they find no justification whatsoever for the violence visited upon him.
He said the Obaseki Council (family) is deeply mindful of the exalted position of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as a unifying force and role model for all Benin people, stressing that nothing should be done by non-palace functionaries to diminish these.
He reiterated that, in the interest of public order, justice, and societal balance, the Obaseki Council (family) supports the use of lawful and impartial processes to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and to hold accountable any persons found to have committed criminal acts.
According to him, “Accountability, pursued calmly and lawfully, is essential to prevent a dangerous descent into anarchy and to reassure law-abiding citizens that no one is above the law.
“The Obaseki Council (family) is in absolute support of Dr Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki’s action to seek full legal redress and recompense on this matter in order to stamp the rule of law over jungle justice.
“We are confident that the law enforcement authorities will take up this matter to its logical conclusion.
“The Obaseki name has long been carved in gold through diligent services, sacrifices, and contributions over centuries.
“The law is there against illegalities and threats. We urge our children to go about their lives and uphold our proud legacy—firmly, peacefully, and always within constitutional boundaries.
“Finally, we urge calm, restraint, and reflection. This moment calls for wisdom, not incitement; for justice, not vengeance; but strong resolve to restore sanity and the reaffirmation of the finest values of the Benin people.”
