On Sunday December 28, 2025, renowned Nollywood filmmaker and cultural advocate Don Pedro Obaseki, cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was violently attacked in Benin City. While playing football with friends, he was abducted by a group claiming to act on behalf of the Oba of Benin, dragged through major streets, beaten, and publicly stripped before being taken to the palace. The harrowing incident has sparked outrage, questions about human rights, and calls for accountability in Edo State.
The Ordeal: What Happened
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Don Pedro Obaseki revealed he was playing football with friends at Uwa Primary School in Benin City when a group of young men suddenly arrived. According to Obaseki, they claimed they were sent by the Oba of Benin, but when he requested identification, none was provided.
Speaking with AIT, Obaseki recounted being kidnapped, beaten, and dragged through parts of the city, including Igbisa, Agpapava, and Ring Road. At Ring Road, the attackers stripped him naked in public before forcing him toward the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he was made to kneel in full view of bystanders.
The incident was captured on videos that later circulated on social media, showing the filmmaker in his undergarments being manhandled. This act has been described by many netizens as shocking and dehumanizing.
Who Don Pedro Obaseki Is
Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki is a veteran Nigerian filmmaker, producer, and cultural advocate, with decades of experience promoting Edo culture through media and Nollywood films. He is also a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and has held leadership roles, including serving as the Managing Director of Daar Communications and CEO of Hosamudia Farm.
Over the years, Obaseki has been recognized for his contributions to Nollywood and Edo culture, making this attack not just personal, but highly symbolic given his status in the cultural and political landscape of Edo State.
Why the Attack Happened
Obaseki suggested the incident may be linked to a statement he made at a public event in London, where he said “Edo Ato Kpee”. This means “may Edo people live long and prosper”, instead of the traditional phrase “Oba Ato Kpee”, meaning “may the Oba live long and prosper.” In his words:
“I am traumatised, I am distraught, and I hear that my sin was that I went to London, and in a public statement, I said, ‘Edo Ato Kpee,’ which means, ‘May Edo people live long and prosper.’ That I should have said, ‘Oba Ato Kpeee,’ may the Oba live long and prosper.”
He expressed disbelief at the alleged motive, stressing that his decades of promoting Edo culture should have made him an ally, not a target, and describing the attack as a traumatizing, humiliating experience.
Official and Public Reactions
The attack on Obaseki drew widespread condemnation from different quarters.
Police: He was taken to a police station, where he was later released following the direct intervention of the Edo State Commissioner of Police. No arrests had been formally announced at the time.
Edo State Government: Officials denied any involvement, emphasizing the attack was unlawful and not sanctioned by the state.
Political and Human Rights Voices: The Edo State PDP condemned the assault as dehumanizing and unlawful, while Amnesty International called for a full investigation and accountability.
Family: Former Governor Godwin Obaseki condemned the attack, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
The incident has raised critical questions about the balance between respect for traditional authority and human rights, as well as concerns over public safety, mob justice, and political intimidation in Edo State.
Conclusion
The abduction and public humiliation of Don Pedro Obaseki is more than a shocking personal incident. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights in the face of unchecked authority or mob action, and the responsibility of government and law enforcement to protect citizens, regardless of cultural sensitivities.
Obaseki’s story has ignited conversations amongst netizens about justice, respect, and accountability, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to ensure perpetrators are held responsible.
