Afrobeats star Davido has responded to activist Omoyele Sowore's critical remarks about his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, with a single Yoruba word: "Arindin." The exchange unfolded on Friday, August 14, 2026, after Sowore appeared on News Central TV's Breakfast Central programme, where he assessed the governor's record ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Sowore's Critical Assessment of Governor Adeleke
Sowore, leader of the African Action Congress, was blunt in his evaluation, claiming the governor lacked the capacity to lead and describing him as a person with "nothing upstairs." He alleged that the state is effectively run by a family cabal: "What I know behind the scenes is, as you can see, that he's just sought outfield. You know, I heard his sister is the one running the state, and his elder brother, who is Davido's father, is also— so it's a family pretty much running the state. And, but as a person, Ademola has nothing upstairs. I'm— and I'm not sorry to say it."
When the interviewer noted Adeleke's claim of constructing over 350 kilometres of roads, Sowore dismissed it, saying: "I didn't see 10 kilometers of highway in Osun State yesterday that you could claim to travel on. Maybe they constructed them somewhere else that we couldn't find... So, nothing that I saw that shows that there's governance in the state."
Davido's One-Word Reply and Public Reaction
Davido, whose full name is David Adeleke, responded on social media with the word "Arindin," widely understood among Yoruba speakers to mean a foolish person, a dullard, or someone lacking basic sense. He offered no further explanation, letting the word speak for itself. The post quickly attracted thousands of likes and views, sparking heated debate online.
Governor Adeleke, popularly known as Imole, is Davido's uncle. The singer's father, businessman Adedeji Adeleke, is the governor's elder brother. Davido has consistently and publicly supported his uncle's political career in Osun State.
Social Media Users Weigh In
Legit.ng compiled reactions from social media users. @Dowrybaby wrote: "Davido speak deep yoruba only few can relate Arindin thank God say I be Osun boy." @oluwafemi_69071 commented: "'Arindin' and he just left it there. Sometimes one word is enough to say everything." @aladepreacher cautioned: "Must you answer? Not every washed clothes needs sun to dry, you only amplified them..if you post them." @Etim923 wrote: "Inside Sowore's head, he is the only good human being on earth. He never sees anything good in others." @Joepriceavcu added: "Allah i don they wait for your tweet since i see the interview." @Tobiscopk said: "A man who fights for everything fight for nothing na true Arindin." @FcRaspy482 weighed in: "Can you just focus on your uncle campaign and leave all this SM drama? There's no polling unit for SM bro. All love."
Davido had earlier weighed in on Osun political developments. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, he took to X to allege that the All Progressives Congress (APC) brought a fake national chairman to Osun State ahead of the election. The exchange comes as the state prepares for the governorship election on August 15, 2026, with Adeleke seeking a second term.
