Edo Government Says Davido is Welcome to Perform in the State

The Edo State Government has rejected claims that it banned Afrobeats star David "Davido" Adeleke from entering or performing in the state.

Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, made this clear in a statement on Friday. This follows comments from Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo. Chukwu said Davido should not expect to perform in the state for the rest of the governor’s term.

In a video posted on YouTube by Peniel TV International, Chukwu also suggested that Davido should be beaten if he shows up in the state. His remarks added to the ongoing tension between the singer and the governor.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Davido rejected calls for him to apologize for his comments about Mr Okpebholo during an interview on News Central TV. He made the remarks after the governor criticized Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle, ahead of the 15 August governorship election.

Davido later shared what looked like the governor’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story after Okpebholo accused Mr Adeleke of dancing instead of focusing on his duties as governor.

He stated, "Our enemies are at it again; we did not ban Davido from entering Edo State. The proclaimer of that ban is an enemy of Edo State; an impostor, and a fraud. The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behaviour, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all."

The commissioner emphasized that the state is open to all, regardless of their beliefs or political views. He mentioned that if Davido wants to perform in Edo State in the future, the state would be glad to work with him.

Afegbua also pointed out that Okpebholo has strong connections with people from various backgrounds and political parties. He called Davido one of the state’s notable sons, highlighting that the singer’s mother is from Edo State.

"He’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him. Should he wish to visit Edo State, we would be happy to host and celebrate him. Whatever happened in Osun State after last week’s election was just politics and nothing more. There was nothing personal in the conversations that fueled the campaigns."

The commissioner praised Davido as a young man who has become one of Nigeria’s global ambassadors. He expressed pride in Davido’s achievements and efforts to build understanding across different political divides. "As a government, we are pleased with his conduct, commitment and calculated success in the music industry. Indeed, we look forward to him being awarded a Grammy title," said the commissioner.