Some youths in Edo State on Friday protested outside the Obaseki family residence, accusing the family of showing repeated disrespect toward the Oba of Benin.
The protesters, who carried placards and chanted in the Bini language, remained at the scene for nearly an hour. They issued a joint statement cautioning against actions they said undermine the sanctity of the Benin royal palace.
The statement, titled Public Warning and Call for Accountability, was signed by Iyamu Osaro, president of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide (also known as Culture), and Uwadiae Iyoha, coordinator of the Otedo Youth Union. It was read at the protest venue and later made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the group, the protest was prompted by what they described as offensive remarks allegedly made by former Governor Godwin Obaseki and his associates against the Oba of Benin.
They insisted that the Benin palace must not be ridiculed, noting that while the Obaseki family had previously addressed the harassment of Dr. Pedro Obaseki, they failed to caution family members accused of disrespecting the monarch.
The statement stressed that the Oba of Benin’s palace remains sacred to the Edo people, who, they said, have always upheld peace, respect for tradition, and constitutional order. However, the youths warned that they would strongly oppose any attempt—online or physical—to ridicule the throne.
The protesters also called on the former governor to return to the state and address unresolved issues linked to his administration, adding that prolonged silence does not absolve anyone of responsibility.
While emphasizing that they do not support violence, the group warned that actions and statements have consequences and that those who disrespect the Benin throne would be held accountable through lawful and civil means.
They urged against selective outrage, misinformation, or intimidation of Edo people expressing legitimate grievances, and called on the Obaseki family to publicly reaffirm their loyalty to the throne and address past issues rather than issuing threats.
The protest comes amid ongoing tensions between the former governor and the Oba of Benin over the proposed siting of the Museum of West African Arts.
Recall that Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of the former governor, was allegedly attacked last Sunday at Uwa Primary School in Benin, stripped, and taken to the palace gate, where he was made to kneel. However, the Benin Traditional Council later clarified that the Oba did not authorize the incident, stating that such actions are not in line with the monarch’s character.
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