Benin Traditional Council Condemns Unauthorised Assault, Urges Calm and Respect for Rule of Law

Benin Traditional Council Condemns Unauthorised Assault, Urges Calm and Respect for Rule of Law

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Benin City, Nigeria — The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has issued a public statement distancing the Oba of Benin from an incident involving the reported manhandling of Pedro Obaseki, stressing that the action was neither sanctioned nor reflective of the character of the revered monarch.

In a statement released from the Oba of Benin Palace, the Council emphasized that His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, is a peace-loving father figure to all and would not authorize any act of violence or intimidation.

“The unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin,” the statement read. “It cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so.”

The Council further cautioned youths and members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, regardless of the level of provocation, urging them instead to respect the laws of the land and allow constituted security agencies to handle all matters requiring intervention.

Addressing the role of digital platforms in shaping public perception, the BTC also advised social media users to verify information thoroughly before sharing, noting the potential consequences of misinformation on public order and communal harmony.

The statement concluded with goodwill messages from the Oba of Benin, who extended New Year wishes to all citizens and residents, reaffirming his commitment to peace and unity.

The announcement was signed by Mr. Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, and ended with the traditional benediction, “Oba ghato kpere.”