•Pedro Obaseki, Governor Okpebholo and Oba of Benin
The Edo State government has dissociated itself from allegations that thugs loyal to attacked and humiliated Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former governor Godwin Obaseki, in Benin City.
A video that went viral yesterday showed Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, being attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had reportedly gone to play football.
He was subsequently taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he was stripped half naked and made to kneel at the palace gate.
The suspected attackers were said to have told palace guards that they had brought an “Oghion” (enemy) of the Oba, reports Daily Independent.
Reacting to the incident in a chat with our correspondent, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, described claims linking the attack to the state government as false and misleading.
“You can’t link the Edo State Government with anything like that. It has nothing to do with the state government,” Afegbua said. “Since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, he has been waging a relentless war against cultism and thuggery in the state.”
He noted that the state enjoyed a peaceful festive season, stressing that there were no reports of harassment, maltreatment or bloodshed during Christmas and carnival celebrations.
“Because of our anti-cultism war, there is tranquillity, peace and stability. You can drive around Edo State at midnight now without fear. Nightlife has returned to Benin City and people move freely without any iota of fear,” he added.
Afegbua further stated that the circumstances surrounding Don Pedro Obaseki’s visit to the palace were personal and not connected to the government.
“Only Pedro Obaseki and those who took him to the Oba’s palace can explain what really happened. Maybe he has personal issues with the Oba or those involved, but it definitely has nothing to do with the Edo State Government,” he said.
He concluded that residents and social media users have continued to commend the governor for restoring peace and security across the state, particularly during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
