‘How I was stripped naked by thugs in Benin’ – Filmmaker, Pedro Obaseki recounts ordeal (Videos)
Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and cultural advocate, Don Pedro Obaseki, has narrated a disturbing experience in which he was harassed and publicly humiliated by a group of youths over claims that he spoke against the Oba of Benin.
Obaseki shared his account during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he described how the incident occurred while he was playing football with acquaintances.
According to him, a group of young men suddenly accosted him, claiming they were acting on orders from the palace of the Oba of Benin and that he was required to appear before the monarch for allegedly disrespecting the Benin throne.
He said the assailants forcefully dragged him through several streets, verbally assaulted him, and stripped him of his clothes before taking him to the palace.
Obaseki explained that upon arrival, some palace chiefs intervened and questioned the attackers.
According to the filmmaker, the reaction and body language of the palace chiefs made it clear that the palace did not authorise or sanction the attack.
He stated that following discussions at the palace, he was taken to a police station and was later released after the Edo State Commissioner of Police reportedly directed that he be freed.
Obaseki further revealed that the attackers accused him of committing an offence during a recent event in London. He explained that during a speech, he reportedly said, “May Edo people live long and prosper,” instead of the traditional phrase, “May the Oba live long and prosper,” which they interpreted as an insult to the monarch.
The filmmaker said the incident has left him deeply shaken. “I feel distraught and traumatised,” he said, noting that the experience has taken an emotional toll on him.
The incident has since sparked public concern and debate, with many calling for a proper investigation to identify those responsible and prevent similar acts of mob action.
Videos of Obaseki recounting the incident, as well as footage from his speech in London, have continued to circulate online, drawing widespread reactions.
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