The attack of former Managing Director of African Independent Television (AIT), Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by hoodlums in Edo State has been laid at the doorstep of Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, by the victim.
The latter was abducted by armed hoodlums on Sunday while playing football in Benin City.
He was stripped almost naked, beating black and blue and dragged to the Palace by his abductors who in the viral video of the moment claim they were sent by the monarch.
In a statement, with which he detailed his ordeal, Obaseki confirmed the thugs’ allegation saying, “They repeatedly stated that they had been sent by the Oba’s Palace to seize me.”
He said the attackers told him the Palace was angry over a speech he delivered to Edo people in London, allegedly because he ended the address with “Edo gha to kpere” (Long live the Edo people) instead of “Oba gha to kpere” (Long live the Oba of Benin).
“They further claimed that they had been sent to deal with any Obaseki, beginning with me,” he stated, alleging threats of further attacks on members of his family.
Obaseki alleged that he was beaten and dragged through parts of Benin City, including Igbesanmwan Road, the front of Holy Aruosa Church and Ring Road, before being taken into the Oba’s Palace.
“I was severely beaten, dragged along the streets and stripped completely naked,” he said, adding that the alleged abuse and public humiliation occurred over several kilometres.
According to him, he was further assaulted within the Palace premises and forced to kneel.
“While in this condition, I attempted to plead for my life and dignity as the Oba drove past me within the Palace compound,” he stated.
He alleged that he was later taken in a Hilux vehicle to the Oba Market Police Station, where he was detained for about five hours.
Obaseki said the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the station on three occasions and told him “that I would be released pending clearance from the Oba.”
“Eventually, at about 5:15 p.m., I was released from custody,” he said.
Obaseki maintained that his account was “a true and accurate narration of the events as they occurred.”
