The Edo State Government has debunked claims that Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from entering or performing in the state.
In a statement released on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, dissociated the administration from the purported ban, describing the claim as unauthorized and malicious.
The controversy began after Apostle Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, released a video on YouTube claiming that Davido was banned from performing in the state for the remainder of the governor’s tenure.
Chukwu’s remarks followed a public spat between the singer and the governor. During the buildup to the August 15 governorship election, Governor Okpebholo had criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle. In retaliation, Davido shared what appeared to be Okpebholo’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results on his Instagram Story and later stated in an interview that he had no reason to apologize.
Reacting to the aide’s video, Afegbua clarified that the government had no hand in the declaration, labeling the proclaimer of the ban as an “impostor” acting against the interests of the state.
“The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behaviour, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity, and/or legal affiliation,” Afegbua said. “Should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in the future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.”
The commissioner emphasized that Davido has maternal roots in Edo State, making him an “illustrious son” whom the state is proud to associate with.
“Should he wish to visit Edo State, we would happily host and fete him. Whatever transpired in Osun State in the wake of last week’s election was purely politics and nothing more. There was nothing personal in the conversations that deepened the campaigns,” Afegbua added.
He praised the musician as a global ambassador for Nigeria, adding that the state government looks forward to seeing him win a Grammy Award in the future.
