PDP Condemns Assault on Obaseki’s Cousin in Edo State

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 occurred on December 28, 2025, at a football field in Benin City and has been described as a deliberate act of political violence.

According to Dan Osa‑Ogbegie, the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the attack was carried out by youths identified as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dr. Obaseki was reportedly targeted 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 toward the Oba’s Palace.

The PDP characterizes 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 stresses that such conduct contradicts the values and traditions of Benin Kingdom, which historically uphold dignity, order, and respect for human life.

The PDP rejects any attempt to justify the attack as protection of traditional institutions, emphasizing that no custom or palace sanction mob action, torture, or degrading treatment. It has called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved, regardless of political affiliation. The party describes the incident as a grave violation of the rule of law and accuses the APC‑led state government of encouraging political violence through silence.

The PDP expresses sympathy to Dr. Obaseki and his family and demands 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. It urges the Edo State government and security agencies to take immediate action to address the incident, prevent similar occurrences, and promote peaceful, respectful political dialogue.