December 28, 2025 | News
By SUNTV Global Channel
Renowned Nigerian actor, academic, and cultural advocate, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, has narrated a harrowing account of alleged abduction, physical assault, and public humiliation in Benin City, Edo State—an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over power, culture, and accountability.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Obaseki said the incident occurred between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, while he was playing football with members of the Uwa All Stars at Uwa Primary School, Benin City.
According to the actor, the football field was suddenly invaded by a group of men he described as armed assailants and known thugs, who forcefully abducted him in full public view.
“The place was attacked by assailants and I was physically abducted—basically kidnapped. Some of them were holding guns, some are known thugs,” Obaseki stated.
Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, said the men claimed they were acting on the orders of the Oba of Benin Palace, but failed to present any form of identification when he demanded proof.
He alleged that he was beaten, manhandled, and dragged through major streets in Benin City, including Igbesawan Street, Akpakpava Road, and Ring Road, where he was allegedly stripped naked in public before being taken to the palace.
“I begged them to show me some form of ID—none. I was beaten severely, dragged through the streets, stripped naked at Ring Road, and taken into the palace, where I was forced to kneel publicly,” he recounted.
Describing the ordeal as deeply degrading, Obaseki said the experience cut particularly deep because of his identity and lifelong commitment to Benin culture.
“I have never been so humiliated. I am who I am because of my Benin roots. I have served my culture all my life,” he said.
Obaseki disclosed that after the palace incident, he was taken to a police station along Oba Market Road, where the Commissioner of Police intervened decisively.
“The Commissioner of Police showed leadership. He came to see me three times within two hours and ordered my release,” Obaseki revealed.
He further stated that from discussions with palace chiefs, it became evident that the palace did not officially authorise the actions of those who abducted and assaulted him.
According to Obaseki, he was later informed that his alleged offence stemmed from comments he made during a recent visit to London, where he publicly declared:
“Edo gha to’kperewa” — meaning “May Edo people live long and prosper.”
He said he was accused of failing to instead say:
“Oba gha to’kpere” — meaning “May the Oba live long and prosper,”
an omission he was told constituted a serious cultural violation.
“I am traumatised and distraught. I was told my sin was wishing Edo people well instead of wishing the Oba well. That is what led to all this,” he said.
Obaseki insisted that his decades-long work in the creative, academic, and cultural space has consistently promoted Benin heritage and identity.
“For someone who has spent 35 to 40 years elevating Benin culture, being told that ‘May Edo people live long and prosper’ is a cardinal sin is devastating,” he added.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the actor stripped to his boxers, forced to kneel, and made to walk on his knees within the palace premises, before being escorted by individuals dressed in white attire and adorned with beads, believed to be palace officials.
The incident has triggered widespread public outrage, with growing calls for a full investigation and accountability for those involved in the alleged abduction and assault.
Background: A Wider Political and Cultural Rift
Observers note that the incident comes against the backdrop of a long-standing and complex rift between former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, rooted in disputes over cultural authority, governance, and historical legacy.
The conflict intensified around the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes, with disagreements over custody, museum plans, and administrative control. It further deepened following clashes over the status of traditional rulers, court cases involving suspended dukes, and allegations of withheld statutory allocations to the Benin Traditional Council.
Since the inauguration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, it is understood that relations between the Edo State Government and the Palace have significantly improved, with steps taken to restore palace entitlements and recalibrate cultural policies.
As investigations and public scrutiny continue, SUNTV Global Channel will closely monitor developments surrounding the alleged assault, the palace’s role, and the broader implications for traditional authority and human rights in Nigeria.
