Dare Babalola
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the attack on the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
In a video circulating on the internet on Sunday, Obaseki was seen being attacked at Uwa Primary School by suspected, where he had gone to play football.
Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly taken to the palace and made to kneel at the gate of the Oba’s Palace.
The suspected thugs reportedly told palace guards that they had brought an Oghion (enemy) of the Oba.
Some palace chiefs, who addressed the suspected thugs in the Bini language, said the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the Igue festival.
One of the chiefs said, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody that counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
The chiefs later took Obaseki inside the palace, despite protests from the suspected thugs.
Reacting in a post via his Facebook on Sunday, Sowore stated that the attack is unacceptable and should never be allowed in any society.
He called for the street and prosecution of those involved in the case.
He wrote, “I am appalled by the treatment meted out to Don Pedro Obaseki by thugs reportedly loyal to the Oba of Benin. This is unacceptable behavior and should never be tolerated in any society.
“No one should be humiliated or mobbed for expressing his opinion on any subject in his country or place of birth. The actions captured on tape are barbaric, and all those involved no matter how highly placed must be identified and sanctioned appropriately without delay.” Yuki BB
