Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Don Pedro Obaseki, found himself at the epicenter of a significant controversy on a recent Sunday when he was allegedly stripped and forcibly dragged to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. Mr. Obaseki, a distinguished Nigerian filmmaker, writer, and director, is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to Nollywood through projects such as Igodo (1999) and Eziza. His extensive filmography includes directing, writing, and producing notable works like Love, Veno, Brave Soldiers, and Tara, in addition to creating television content such as Days of Rage.

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, reportedly stemmed from allegations that Mr. Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, had participated prominently in several ‘meet and greet’ sessions across Europe organized by the former governor. During these sessions, the revered Oba of Benin was allegedly denigrated. According to initial reports, the dramatic event unfolded at Uwa Primary School, where Mr. Obaseki, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, had gone to play football.

While on the football field, Mr. Obaseki was reportedly attacked, stripped, and assaulted by a group of youths identified as being loyal to the Benin Traditional Council. A video that quickly went viral across the internet captured the harrowing moments as the filmmaker was dragged from the field towards the Oba’s palace. His attackers repeatedly labeled him an ‘oghioba,’ a Bini term meaning 'enemy of the Oba,' and forcefully presented him at the palace to account for his alleged attendance at the UK meet and greet sessions where the monarch was purportedly disrespected.

Upon arrival at the palace, Mr. Obaseki was compelled to crawl on his knees towards the palace chiefs, who intervened to de-escalate the tense situation. One of the chiefs, addressing the agitated youths in the Bini language, explained that the Oba was not physically present in the palace at that moment, as he was en route to the Holy Arousa Church for a thanksgiving service. After a period of intense back-and-forth exchanges, during which Mr. Obaseki repeatedly chanted "Oba gha to kpere" (long live the Oba) to profess his loyalty, the crowd eventually dispersed. He was then escorted into the palace by the chiefs.

Although the former gubernatorial hopeful has not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident, a video of him after regaining his freedom has been widely circulated. In the clip, Mr. Obaseki is heard lightheartedly commenting that the shirt he was wearing did not belong to him. As of the time of reporting, neither the palace nor the State’s traditional council has provided an official reaction to the controversial event.

The incident has been met with a torrent of condemnation from various quarters, with many decrying the alleged abduction and humiliation of Mr. Obaseki. Prominent lawyer Rockson Igelige was among the first to vehemently denounce the scenario, describing it as "degrading" and calling for a comprehensive investigation. Mr. Igelige characterized the ambushing, kidnapping, stripping, molestation, harassment, tongue-lashing amidst threats of death, and coercive dragging of Dr. Obaseki to the Palace of the Oba of Benin as "barbaric, criminal, and totally unacceptable under the rule of law." He asserted that these actions constituted a grave violation of Mr. Obaseki's fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr. Igelige further emphasized that those who carried out the attack, even if claiming allegiance to the Benin Traditional Council, do not represent the true values, culture, history, or character of the Benin people. He wrote, “The Benin nation is historically known for order, dignity, civility, and respect for authority exercised within clearly defined cultural and legal boundaries. Barbarism, hooliganism, and mob violence are alien to the authentic Benin ethos and must not be falsely clothed with tradition.” Highlighting Mr. Obaseki as an "illustrious son of Benin" with well-documented contributions to the creative industry, cultural advocacy, and public discourse, Igelige reiterated that Obaseki has consistently projected Benin’s customs and traditions with intellectual depth and has never posed a threat to public peace or traditional institutions. He urged the Edo State Government, the State Command, the State Commissioner of Police, relevant security agencies, and appropriate authorities to launch a transparent and thorough investigation and ensure justice for all involved.

Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Shaibu Husseini, the Director General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, also condemned the act. He specifically appealed to Nigerians, particularly friends of Mr. Obaseki, to refrain from sharing the video depicting his assault. "Of course, we can condemn the act, but it can be done without sharing the video of our friend being humiliated," Husseini posted on Facebook. Another Facebook user, Harry with Good Advice, echoed the condemnation, calling for the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor, to address the global Edo community, raising concerns about free speech and accountability in the wake of the incident.