The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he never authorised the manhandling of a former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.

Oba Ewuare II said he remained a father of all.

The former Daar Communication boss was, last Sunday, abducted where he was playing football by suspected thugs.

He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).

Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.

But the Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws Into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

According to the statement, “The Benin Traditional Council use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin. And it cannot be authorized 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 wish to advice 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 handle all matters.

“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.” (The Nation)