Nigerian singer Davido has publicly rebuked activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore after Sowore made disparaging remarks about his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State. In a video shared on social media, Davido referred to Sowore as 'Aridin', a Yoruba term for 'fool'.
Sowore's Critique of Adeleke's Leadership
Sowore's comments came during an interview where he assessed Adeleke's performance as governor. He claimed that Adeleke lacks control over his own administration, alleging that the state is effectively being run by his sister and Davido's father, billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke.
“What I saw in Governor Adeleke's leadership is that the guy is not even in control of his government. I did myself a little disservice. I watched him on the Arise TV town hall meeting and I am appalled that such a character is governing a state and what I know is that I heard his sister is the one running the state and his elder brother who is Davido's father… It's the family that is running the state. As a person, Ademola has nothing upstairs,” Sowore stated.
Davido's Reaction and the Social Media Storm
The interview clip quickly went viral, prompting Davido to respond directly. In a post on Instagram, the singer described Sowore as 'Aridin', using the Yoruba word for 'fool' to express his displeasure. The exchange has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans and critics weighing in on both sides.
Davido's response underscores the personal nature of the attack, as it targets his family and their political involvement. The singer has previously shown support for his uncle's political career, including during the 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election.
Political Implications and Family Dynamics
The controversy highlights the significant role the Adeleke family plays in Osun State politics. Governor Adeleke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faced scrutiny over his leadership style, but this public spat with Sowore brings the family's influence into sharper focus.
Davido's father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a well-known businessman and philanthropist, and his involvement in the state's affairs has been a subject of debate. Sowore's allegations, while unproven, have added fuel to ongoing discussions about the governance structure in Osun State.
As the video continues to circulate, the war of words between Davido and Sowore shows no signs of abating. The incident serves as a reminder of the intersection between celebrity, politics, and family loyalty in Nigeria's public sphere.
