The Benin Traditional Council has distanced itself from a recent assault on Nigerian filmmaker, Don Pedro Obaseki by suspected thugs in Benin.
In a public announcement on Wednesday, Secretary of the Council, Mr Frank Irabor said that the palace never authorised such acts of humiliation on the movie producer.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the filmmaker who is a cousin to the immediate former governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly beaten, stripped, and dragged to the Oba’s palace on Sunday by the thugs.
The thugs had alleged that the filmmaker disrespected the Benin traditional ruler, Oba Ewuare II, and was consequently regarded by the youths, as an enemy of the Oba.
Also Read: Thugs assault Obaseki, force him to apologise in Benin
Obaseki was reportedly made to kneel before the palace chiefs, who were alleged to have later taken him in.
However, a public announcement issued on Wednesday by the council reads:
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled, was not authorised by the Oba of Benin.
“And it cannot be authorised because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so; the Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.” he said
The Council also urged Benin youths not to take laws into their hands on any issue, no matter the degree of provocation.
It further urged the youths to remain law abiding in their actions and utterances, and allow the appropriate security agencies to address all matters.
“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.
“Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, wishes you all a happy new year,” the palace message read. NAN
