Former Edo Gov, Obaseki calls on security agencies, civil societies to investigate attack on Don Pedro
Former Gov, Obaseki
The immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has called on human rights organisations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out against the attack on Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki by youths on Sunday.
The former governor said the assault was was an injustice and gross violation of human rights of Pedro Obaseki.
Obaseki also berated the Oba of Benin, HRM. Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II over the attack on his cousin.
Dr. Pedro Obaseki was seized at Uwa Primary School, Benin while playing football on Sunday and dragged to the palace of Oba.
According to the former governor, armed thugs said to be on the instructions of the palace assaulted the renowned playwright.
He stated, “I urge human rights organisations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”
In a statement, Obaseki said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”
Dr Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the armed thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro who was already stripped of his clothing to the palace, where they were ceremoniously received by some palace chiefs.
Godwin Obaseki described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.
He expressed deep disappointment over the involvement of the palace in such a barbaric, shameful and ignoble act, adding, “I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.
“I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.”
