By Our Reporter
There is growing public outrage following reports that ace Nollywood actor, Don Pedro Obaseki, was allegedly stripped naked, beaten, and forced to kneel in public in Benin City after a comment he made at a public event in the United Kingdom.
According to accounts circulating widely, the actor had, during the event, uttered the phrase “Edo Otokpehe,” a statement meaning “May Edo live long and prosper.” However, the phrase reportedly angered some youths who considered it a deviation from the traditional chant “Oba Otokpehe,” which translates to “May the Oba live long and prosper.”
On his return to Nigeria, the actor was allegedly confronted by a group of youths in Benin, who accused him of disrespecting the revered Benin monarchy. He was reportedly assaulted, stripped, and compelled to kneel before the Oba to tender an apology — an incident that has sparked condemnation across social media and civil society circles.
Many Nigerians have described the treatment meted out to the actor as deeply troubling and reflective of misplaced priorities. Critics argue that while ordinary citizens and creatives are subjected to public humiliation over words and symbols, politicians accused of looting Edo State resources continue to move freely, celebrated and cheered in the same streets.
“This is heartbreaking,” a Benin-based activist said. “A man was punished for expressing love for his state, yet those who have stolen from the people are praised daily. What kind of values are we defending?”
Others have warned that such actions portray Edo people as intolerant and hostile to free expression, especially in a modern democratic society. They argue that disagreements rooted in culture and tradition should be addressed through dialogue and education, not violence and public humiliation.
Human rights advocates have also raised concerns, noting that stripping and assault amount to violations of personal dignity and fundamental rights, regardless of cultural sensitivities.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the palace or law enforcement authorities addressing the incident. However, the story has reopened a wider conversation about cultural enforcement, mob justice, and the need to balance tradition with human rights in the 21st century.
For many Nigerians, the incident is not just about a chant — it is about the kind of society being built, and whether culture should be used to uplift people or to silence, shame, and brutalize them.
