Don Pedro Obaseki, cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has claimed that he was abducted and publicly assaulted in Benin City, Edo State, in an incident he alleges is linked to the Oba of Benin’s Palace.
In a statement released on Saturday, December 28, 2025, Don Pedro said the incident occurred while he was playing football at Uwa Primary School, Igbesanmwan Street, between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
He alleged that a group of armed men seized him from the field, identifying themselves as Kapuepue Adun, Osayande Obakhavbaye, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, and Osamiefan, also known as “Sales Guy.”
“They said they had been sent to deal with any Obaseki, beginning with me,” Don Pedro said. He added that the attackers claimed the Oba’s Palace was displeased with a speech he delivered to Edo people in London, in which he reportedly ended with the phrase “Edo gha to kpere” (Long live the Edo people) instead of “Oba gha to kpere” (Long live the Oba of Benin).
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Don Pedro alleged that he was beaten, dragged along Igbesanmwan Road, and publicly paraded in front of Holy Aruosa Church before being taken to the Oba’s Palace. He claimed the assault continued inside the Palace, where he was slapped, beaten, gagged, and forced to kneel.
He said he was later taken to the Oba Market Police Station and detained for about five hours. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reportedly visited him three times during the detention, telling him he would be released pending clearance from the Oba. Don Pedro was released at about 5:15 p.m.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Oba of Benin’s Palace nor the Edo State Police Command had responded to the allegations.