In a series of events that have gripped Benin City and the wider Edo State Dr Don Pedro Obaseki a prominent figure and member of the renowned Obaseki family has come forward to share the details of his recent ordeal Following his release from police custody Obaseki has broken his silence specifically highlighting the pivotal role played by the Oba of Benin Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II .
The revelations provide a rare glimpse into the intersection of traditional authority and modern law enforcement showing how the monarch’s intervention was centered on the preservation of peace and the dignity of the Benin Kingdom .
The Backdrop of Tension The incident began with the reported assault and subsequent detention of Dr Pedro Obaseki According to local reports the situation escalated following allegations of public disrespect and historical tensions that have occasionally flared between various factions in the state .
When the news of Obaseki’s detention broke it sparked immediate reactions from the Obaseki Council and various human rights advocates However the most significant turning point occurred when the palace of the Oba of Benin became involved in the dialogue with the Edo State Police Command .
What the Oba Told the Commissioner of Police Upon his release Dr Pedro Obaseki revealed that the Oba of Benin did not merely ask for his freedom but issued a firm directive to the Commissioner of Police According to Obaseki the Oba’s message was rooted in the concept of justice tempered with mercy and the maintenance of communal harmony .
Also Read : From Heartbreak to Healing Pastor Chris Okafor Reflects on the Pain of Early Marriage Infidelity
The Oba reportedly told the Commissioner The peace of the kingdom is paramount While the law must take its course it must not be used as a tool for humiliation or to settle personal vendettas that could set the city ablaze .
Obaseki noted that the Oba emphasized that no individual regardless of their family name or political standing is above the traditions of the land but equally the dignity of every Benin son must be protected from mob justice or procedural overreach .
The Role of the Obaseki Council Following the release the Obaseki Council held a press conference to condemn the inhuman and humiliating assault meted out to their son They expressed gratitude to the palace for ensuring that the situation did not spiral into further violence .
The council’s spokesperson Efosa Uwangue noted that while there may be disagreements the intervention of the Oba serves as a reminder that the throne remains the ultimate arbiter of peace in Edo State This sentiment was echoed by Pedro Obaseki who appeared humbled by the monarch’s interest in the matter .
Justice and Tradition A Delicate Balance This incident has sparked a wider conversation in Nigeria regarding the influence of traditional rulers in legal matters In the case of Pedro Obaseki the Oba’s message to the Commissioner of Police was seen by many as a cooling balm on a volatile situation .
Dr Obaseki’s revelation suggests that the Commissioner of Police was urged to 1 Prioritize Due Process Ensuring that any allegations against Obaseki were handled legally rather than through street justice 2 Prevent Civil Unrest Recognizing that the Obaseki family and their supporters represent a significant portion of the community 3 Uphold Royal Dignity Reminding all parties that the sanctity of Benin City must be preserved above political or personal skirmishes .
Moving Forward Lessons from the Incident As the dust settles Dr Pedro Obaseki has called for a period of reflection The Obaseki vs Tradition narrative that some had tried to foster was effectively neutralized by the Oba’s direct communication with the police .
The Commissioner of Police on his part has maintained that the force acted to ensure the safety of the individual while investigating the circumstances that led to the initial confrontation The release of Pedro Obaseki marks the end of a tense chapter but the words of the Oba continue to resonate as a directive for how law enforcement and traditional institutions should collaborate to maintain order .
Conclusion The release of Dr Don Pedro Obaseki is more than just a legal update it is a testament to the enduring power of the Benin Monarchy By revealing what the Oba told the Commissioner Obaseki has highlighted the importance of a father of the people who intervenes not to subvert the law but to ensure that the law functions within the context of peace and mutual respect .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .