Nigerian actor and cultural advocate, Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, has narrated a disturbing ordeal involving alleged abduction, assault and public humiliation by a group of men in Benin City, Edo State.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Obaseki disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday morning, between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m.
He was playing football with members of Uwa All Stars at Uwa Primary School.
According to the actor, armed men suddenly stormed the football ground, forcefully seized him and dragged him through several streets.
This includes Igbesawan Street, Akpakpava Road and Ring Road.
Also, he alleged that during the ordeal, he was beaten, stripped naked in public and subjected to severe humiliation before being taken to the Oba of Benin Palace.
Obaseki stated that his assailants claimed they were acting on instructions from the palace but failed to provide any form of identification when he demanded proof.
“I begged them to show me some form of ID, but they had none. I was dragged, beaten severely, manhandled and taken into the palace,” he recounted.
The actor described the experience as deeply traumatising.
This is especially considering his long-standing contributions to the promotion and preservation of Benin culture.
The Intervention
Following the incident, Obaseki said he was taken to a police station where the Edo State Commissioner of Police later intervened.
Also, he revealed that the police boss personally visited him several times before ordering his release.
According to Obaseki, the alleged reason for his treatment was linked to comments he made during a recent visit to London
He reportedly said “Edo gha to’kperewa” (May Edo people live long and prosper) instead of the traditional “Oba gha to’kpere” (May the Oba live long and prosper).
Also, he was allegedly informed that this amounted to a serious cultural violation.
The incident has sparked public outrage.
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However, many Nigerians are calling for a thorough investigation.
