Obaseki family condemns mob violence against son, demands probe

By Editor

THE Obaseki Council has condemned what it described as a “despicable” act of mob violence and public humiliation against their son, Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, following an incident that occurred in broad daylight on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in Benin City. This was revealed in a statement signed by Okaegbe of the Obaseki Family Worldwide, Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, and Secretary of the Obaseki Council, Mr. Ewere Obaseki

In a press statement dated December 30, 2025 and issued from the family house on Oba Market Road, Benin City, the council expressed deep distress over the incident, saying the attackers were suspected individuals who were neither palace functionaries nor agents of the state and had unlawfully taken the law into their own hands. The family said it deliberately delayed its reaction to allow time to properly assess the situation and await responses from relevant authorities. It described the scenes circulating in the public domain as “despicable, savage and barbaric,” noting that they run contrary to the values, discipline and cultural refinement of Benin people, and could damage Benin’s long-standing image as a centre of culture and peace.

The council said no person of good conscience could witness the public humiliation of a son of Benin, described as a respected professional, cultural ambassador and member of a frontline family, without being profoundly shaken.

It further stressed that the Obaseki family is neither political nor partisan, explaining that it has historically accommodated diverse political views, provided such views are expressed with civility, respect and within the bounds of the law. The council stated that their son, Obaseki, had conducted himself honourably and that there was no justification for the violence meted out to him.

The statement also acknowledged the revered position of the Oba of Benin as a unifying institution and cautioned against actions by non-palace actors that could undermine its dignity or moral authority.

In the interest of public order and justice, the council called for lawful and impartial investigations into the incident and urged that anyone found culpable be held accountable through due process. It warned that failure to address such acts could encourage lawlessness and erode public confidence in the rule of law.

The Obaseki Council declared its full support for their son’s decision to seek legal redress and compensation, describing the move as necessary to reinforce the supremacy of the law over what it termed “jungle justice.” It expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter and see it to a logical conclusion.

Reaffirming the family’s legacy, the council noted that the Obaseki name had been built over centuries through service, sacrifice and contribution, and urged younger family members to continue to uphold this heritage peacefully and within constitutional limits.

The statement concluded with a call for calm, restraint and reflection, urging the public to choose wisdom over incitement and justice over vengeance, while reaffirming the core values of the Benin people.