Panic and outrage gripped Benin City on Sunday after suspected thugs, commonly known as area boys, allegedly stripped Don Pedro Obaseki, Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm and cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, naked in a disturbing public assault.
The incident, captured in a viral video, showed Obaseki being attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had reportedly gone to play football. He was later forcefully taken to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and made to kneel at the palace gate.
The assailants allegedly told palace guards that they had brought an Oghion (enemy) of the Oba.
Palace chiefs who addressed the suspected thugs in the Bini language explained that the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the Igue festival.
One of the chiefs said, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody that counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
Amid tension and protests from the suspected thugs, palace chiefs eventually took Obaseki into the palace.
