The Edo State government has officially denied reports that Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from performing in the state, with Information Commissioner Kassim Afegbua describing the person behind the declaration as "an enemy of Edo state."
In a statement released on Friday, August 21, Afegbua distanced the government from the remarks made by Kassy Chukwu, the governor's senior special assistant on digital media, who had publicly declared Davido unwelcome in the state. The denial comes after a video surfaced on YouTube, shared by Peniel TV International Benin City on Thursday, August 20, in which Chukwu made the controversial declaration.
Controversial Video and Political Fallout
In the video, Chukwu said Davido had been banned from performing in Edo for the remainder of Governor Monday Okpebholo's time in office, citing what he described as disrespectful remarks the singer made about the governor and his family. "You have been banned from coming to Edo state to perform. We don't want to see you in Edo again," Chukwu said in the video.
The dispute traces back to comments made by Governor Okpebholo, who publicly criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido's uncle, in the lead-up to the August 15 governorship election. Davido responded by sharing what appeared to be the governor's WAEC result on his Instagram Story. When asked about the post in a subsequent interview, the singer said he saw no reason to apologise.
Government's Official Response
Afegbua's statement emphasised that Edo remains open to all people, regardless of their political or personal affiliations. "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 statement read.
The commissioner added that should Davido wish to perform in Edo in the future, the government would be willing to work with him. He also noted the singer's personal connection to the state, as his late mother hailed from Edo. "Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo state; he's exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him," the statement said.
Praise for Davido and Final Position
Afegbua described whatever was said during the Osun election campaign period as "purely politics and nothing more," and praised Davido as one of Nigeria's foremost global ambassadors in music. "As a government, we are pleased with his conduct, commitment and calculated conquest in the music industry. Indeed, we look forward to him being awarded a Grammy title," the statement concluded.
The denial was also noted by PM News, which reported the Edo government's official position. Earlier, Apostle Eugene Ogu, a former national security director of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), called on Nigerian youths to take a cue from Davido, whose vocal support for his uncle during the 2026 Osun state governorship election drew national attention. Ogu commended Davido for showing courage and civic responsibility, and urged authorities and Nigerians to guarantee his safety following his public campaign involvement.
