2 hours ago
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The Palace of the Oba of Benin has dissociated itself from the attack on media practitioner, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, is said to be over alleged comments he reportedly made in the United Kingdom during a meet-and-greet organised by former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, said to be critical of the Benin Monarchy.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor.
He stressed that the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, is a peace-loving leader and a father to all, and had no involvement in the incident.
The statement warned youths against resorting to self-help and urged social media users to verify information before sharing it publicly.
The statement reads, “The Benin Traditional Council wishes to use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin.
“And it cannot be authorised because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.
“The Benin Traditional Council also wishes to advise our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.”
“They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate Security Agencies to handle all matters.
“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, wish you all a happy new year,” he said.
