The Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) condemns in very strong and unequivocal terms, the humiliation and dehumanisation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki by some miscreants in Benin City on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The society is appalled that a people once known and admired for their rich culture and tradition will allow their youths to descend so low to such a level that they will humiliate, strip naked and parade one of their illustrious sons who has been at the forefront of promoting the values, tradition and culture of the Benin people all his life.
According to the statement signed by SONTA’s President, Prof. Tunji Azeez, FSONTA, FTA, MNAL, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki is a cultural ambassador of the Benin People; a renowned playwright, actor and director who has advanced the Benin culture through his creative oeuvres for decades, nationally and internationally. It is, therefore, a great concern to SONTA and the entire culture and creative world that such a personality is paraded like a common criminal by the same people whose traditions he has upheld and promoted with pride. More worrisome is the purported link of the palace to this barbaric and inhuman act.
The society joins other well-meaning Nigerians at home and in diaspora to advocate for a thorough investigation of the matter. SONTA is aware that the police is already investigating the matter. We therefore demand that the police must act on this matter with objectivity, diligence, and professionalism to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors, if any, to justice. This is the only way to redeem the humiliation of the person of Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, and show the world that the Benin people are averse to acts of barbarism and brigandage.
At this critical time, SONTA stands solidly in solidarity with Dr. Obaseki and his family. The entire creative world will not sit idly and watch one of our own disgraced in any way. This act of hooliganism and disregard for law and order must stop!
