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Watch the viral video of Don Pedro Obaseki Obaseki being stripped, dragged, and forced to apologise to the Oba of Benin here.”
A viral video circulating widely on social media has sparked national outrage after showing a man identified as Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki allegedly stripped, physically restrained, and forced to kneel and apologise publicly in front of a palace in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, reportedly followed claims that Obaseki had insulted the Oba of Benin, one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers. The footage shows Obaseki surrounded by several individuals, some appearing to act as palace supporters, as he is paraded and compelled to offer a public apology under duress.
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Ejes Gist News reports that the video, which has gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has triggered intense debate over the limits of traditional authority, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Verified Footage Shows Disturbing Scene
In the widely shared clip, Obaseki is visibly distressed as he is dragged to the palace. Eyewitnesses confirmed he was forced to apologise for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the Oba of Benin.
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Watch Moment Don Pedro Obaseki was dragged to Oba’s Palace
Public Outrage and Human Rights Concerns
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from legal experts, civil society groups, and human rights advocates, who argue that public humiliation, stripping, and forced apologies violate fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
Legal analysts note that even if an individual commits defamation or makes offensive remarks, Nigerian law provides clear legal channels for redress, including civil litigation and criminal prosecution—not extrajudicial punishment or mob action.
Inibehe Effiong Reacts: “This Diminishes the Throne”
Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong reacted strongly to the video, describing the act as a dangerous precedent that undermines both traditional institutions and the rule of law.
In a statement shared on social media, Effiong said Nigeria was witnessing a troubling erosion of basic civil liberties:
“We now live in a country where someone is publicly stripped, paraded, forced to kneel, and apologise in front of a palace because he ‘insulted’ the king.”
He emphasised that while the Oba of Benin remains deeply respected, such actions do not reflect the dignity historically associated with the Benin throne.
Responsibility of Traditional Institutions
The lawyer stressed that traditional rulers carry not only cultural authority but moral responsibility. According to him:
- The Oba of Benin has a duty to uphold the dignity of the throne
- The dignity of citizens, including critics, must be protected
- Public humiliation does not enhance royal prestige
“Humiliating a citizen in this manner does not bring glory to the palace or the king. It diminishes the prestige of the Oba and his throne,” Effiong warned.
He further cautioned that silence from the palace could be interpreted as tacit approval of violence and intimidation.
“Do Not Allow Thuggery to Define the Crown”
Effiong also raised concerns about the individuals who carried out the act, describing their behaviour as thuggery rather than cultural enforcement.
“We should not allow thuggery to define the very respected crown of the Oba of Benin,” he said, warning that normalising such actions could embolden further abuses under the guise of tradition or loyalty to royal institutions.
Focus on Human Dignity, Not Politics
Clarifying his position, Effiong stated that his stance had nothing to do with politics or personal affiliations:
- He does not know Dr. Pedro Obaseki personally
- He is unfamiliar with the alleged offence
- He does not care about political undercurrents
“I don’t care about the underlying politics. But no citizen should be humiliated in this manner,” he added.
His clarification underscores that the issue at stake is human dignity, not loyalty or opposition to any individual or institution.
Call for Police Investigation
The human rights lawyer called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. According to Effiong:
- Public stripping and forced kneeling constitute assault
- The act amounts to unlawful detention and intimidation
- Cultural status does not override criminal law
“The @PoliceNG has a responsibility to act in this case. The culprits should be dealt with according to law,” he stated.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, no individual or group has the authority to physically punish another citizen without due process, regardless of cultural or traditional standing.
Silence From the Palace Fuels Speculation
As of press time, there has been no official response from the palace of the Oba of Benin addressing the viral video or clarifying whether the action was sanctioned. Observers warn that failure to address the incident could damage the long-standing reputation of one of Africa’s most respected traditional institutions.
Social Media Reaction
Across social media, reactions have been deeply polarised. While some argue that respect for traditional rulers must be enforced, many insist that respect cannot be compelled through violence or humiliation.
