Movie producer and agribusiness executive, Don Pedro Obaseki, has reportedly been assaulted and stripped naked by suspected thugs in Benin City, Edo State.
Obaseki, a former Managing Director of Dasr Communication and Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, was allegedly attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football.
He is a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and was said to have participated in several “meet and greet” sessions organised by the former governor across Europe.
A now viral video on social media showed Obaseki kneeling at the gate of the Oba of Benin’s Palace, paying allegiance to the monarch, Oba Ewuare II.
Eyewitnesses said the suspected thugs forced their way into the palace after informing palace guards that they had brought an “Oghion,” a term described as an enemy of the Oba.
Palace chiefs who spoke during the incident said it occurred during the festive period, adding that the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Church for a thanksgiving service at the time.
One of the chiefs was quoted as saying, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who considers himself an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
Despite protests from the suspected thugs, the palace chiefs later intervened and took Pedro Obaseki into the palace.
There has been no official statement from the Edo State Police Command or the Benin Palace as of the time of filing this report.