A former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister John Aikpokpo-Martins, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy after publicly defending the brutal treatment meted out to Nigerian actor Dr Don Pedro Obaseki by individuals alleged to be acting on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council.
In a Facebook post, the senior lawyer appeared to justify what many Nigerians and human rights advocates have condemned as jungle justice, warning that democracy and freedom of expression do not grant anyone the licence to ridicule Edo traditions or the revered Benin throne.
The intervention by Aikpokpo-Martins comes amid national outrage over disturbing footage showing Don Pedro Obaseki being stripped to his boxers, forced to kneel, and humiliated within the precincts of the Benin Palace, after being branded an “Oghionoba”, an alleged enemy of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
While critics have demanded accountability for what they describe as assault, unlawful detention, and public humiliation, the former NBA chieftain took a sharply different stance.
“Yes, this is democracy. However, that does not give anyone, particularly an Edo man the right to attempt to ridicule and desecrate our centuries-old traditions simply because there is freedom of expression,” Aikpokpo-Martins wrote.
He further warned against what he described as “renegades” seeking to impose “unbecoming bravado shamelessness” on Edo society, insisting that respect for tradition and elders must override personal expression.
“We are Edo and we respect traditions and elders… Who do anyhow may see anyhow,” he added, concluding defiantly: “You may not agree with me, but I have no apologies for anyone.”
His comments have triggered backlash across legal, civic, and social media spaces, with many Nigerians expressing shock that a senior lawyer and former NBA leader would appear to rationalise extrajudicial punishment.
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