The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has distanced himself from the alleged manhandling of veteran filmmaker Pedro Obaseki. LIB reported that Pedro, a cousin of former Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was attacked and stripped on Sunday by thugs at Uwa Primary School, Benin city, where he had gone to play football. A viral video of the incident showed Pedro being beaten, stripped n3ked and dragged to the palace of the Oba of Beni, where he was made to kneel down at the gate. A statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 by the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, denied any involvement by the Oba, stressing that the incident was neither authorised nor in keeping with the character of the revered monarch. According to the statement, the Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all and would not sanction acts of violence under any circumstance. "The unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin and cannot be authorised, as it is not in the character of our revered monarch, the statement read. The Council cautioned youths against taking the law into their own hands, regardless of the level of provocation, and urged them to respect the laws of the land in both actions and utterances. It further advised members of the public to allow appropriate security agencies handle all matters, while also warning social media users to verify information properly before sharing. The statement concluded with New Year goodwill from His Royal Majesty, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, as the Palace reaffirmed its commitment to peace and lawful conduct. "Oba ghato kpere, the release added. Speaking in an interview with AIT, Pedro said the attackers mentioned that his offence was a comment he made in London recently where he said; May Edo people live long and prosper instead of May the Oba live long and prosper"
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