Benin Palace Distances Oba From Assault On Obaseki

The Benin Traditional Council has dissociated the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, from the recent attack on Dr Pedro Obaseki, describing it as “unfortunate and unauthorised.”

In a statement released yesterday in Benin by the secretary of the council, Frank Irabor, the palace said the alleged manhandling of D. Obaseki was not sanctioned by the Oba and could not have been approved under any circumstance.

“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,” he said.

The council described the Oba of Benin as a peace-loving father figure, stressing that violence is alien to his values and leadership.

“The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all,” the statement added.

The palace also issued a strong warning to youths, urging them to refrain from taking the law into their own hands regardless of provocation.

“The Benin Traditional Council also wishes to advise our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue, no matter the degree of provocation,” it stated.

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

The clarification followed widespread public reactions and social media condemnation after Dr Pedro Obaseki was attacked in Benin City.