The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the alleged assault and public humiliation of Dr. Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. The incident, which occurred on December 28, 2025, at a football field in Benin City, has been described as a deliberate act of political violence.
According to the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the attack was carried out by youths identified as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dr. Obaseki was reportedly attacked over claims that he made disrespectful remarks about the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. Video clips circulating on social media show the victim being dragged away from the field and forced towards the Oba’s Palace.
The PDP has characterized the assault as a carefully coordinated attack, rather than an impulsive reaction. Osa-Ogbegie stated that Dr. Obaseki was “accosted by a mob, harassed, threatened with death, stripped naked and forcibly dragged towards the Palace of the Oba of Benin.” The party has stressed that the conduct of the attackers is inconsistent with the values and traditions of Benin Kingdom, which is historically associated with dignity, order, and respect for human life.
The PDP has rejected attempts to justify the attack under the guise of protecting traditional institutions, emphasizing that no custom or palace sanctions mob action, torture, or degrading treatment. The party has called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved, irrespective of political affiliation.
The incident has been described as a grave violation of the rule of law, and the PDP has accused the APC-led government in the state of encouraging political violence through silence. The party has expressed sympathy to Dr. Obaseki and his family and has demanded a clear disassociation from the incident by traditional institutions, a public explanation from the state government and security agencies, and concrete steps to end political thuggery and restore law and order in the state.
The Edo State government and security agencies have been urged to take immediate action to address the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in the state and the need for political parties to promote peaceful and respectful dialogue.
