Benin traditional council: Oba is peace-loving, did not authorise attack on Pedro Obaseki

The Benin traditional council says the attack on Pedro Obaseki by some suspected thugs was not authorised by the Oba of Benin.

Obaseki, former managing director of Daar Communications and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hosamudia Farm, was attacked on Sunday while playing football with friends at Uwa Primary School in Benin City.

Speaking hours after his release, Pedro said the “assailants” said they were sent by the palace of the Oba of Benin.

In a public announcement issued on Wednesday, Frank Irabor, secretary of the council, said the incident was inconsistent with the character of the monarch.

Irabor said the Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all and would not sanction violence.

“The Benin Traditional Council also wish to advice our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation,” the statement reads.

“They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate security agencies to handle all matters.”

He also cautioned social media users to verify information properly before posting.

On Monday, Amnesty International Nigeria described the assault and public humiliation of Obaseki as “barbaric and unlawful”, with a demand for an immediate police investigation.