Afrobeats superstar Davido has been declared unwelcome in Edo State after a social media post targeting Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the singer has refused to apologise, insisting he did nothing wrong. The ban was issued by Apostle Kassy Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor, in a viral video that has sparked widespread reactions.
Edo Governor's Aide Issues Threat to Davido
In the video, Apostle Kassy Chukwu delivered a blunt warning to Davido, stating that the singer is no longer permitted to enter Edo State. Chukwu threatened that anyone who brings Davido to perform in the state would face consequences, and warned of physical harm if the singer is found at airports in the state.
"David, we don't want to see you for Edo state again. If we catch you, if we see you for airports, go there boys, make that you slap, they remove your teeth for you," Chukwu said in the video, according to Legit.ng.
What Sparked the Row: WAEC Result Post and Campaign Dig
The confrontation began when Governor Okpebholo travelled to Osun State to campaign for the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. During the campaign, the Edo governor mocked Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke's habit of dancing, saying, "Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance."
Davido, who is Adeleke's nephew and has been actively supporting his uncle's re-election campaign, responded by posting what appeared to be Okpebholo's West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result on his Instagram Story, without any caption. The post quickly went viral and drew the ire of the Edo State government.
Davido Refuses to Back Down in Interview
Speaking to News Central in an exclusive interview on Tuesday in Osun State, Davido made his position clear, stating that he owes no one an apology. "I'm not going to apologise. I didn't do anything wrong. I was just telling people of the state the results their governor has," he said.
The singer also turned the criticism back on Governor Okpebholo, questioning his legitimacy and his decision to cross state lines to attack his family. "Yes, and you came, you left your state, you came to another state. You came in and then started talking that my uncle is a dancer; he is not serious. The road to your Government House is not done. My uncle is not serious. First of all, you were not even elected; you were selected," Davido said.
He pressed further, challenging Okpebholo's credibility on electoral matters. "You don't know what it means to win an election. That's why you could go there and talk," he added, also saying he felt sorry for the governor's children over the manner in which their father had conducted himself.
Adeleke Family Celebrates Davido After Osun Victory
According to Legit.ng, the Adeleke family celebrated Davido after his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, secured victory at the Osun governorship election. A video circulating online captured the emotional moment the governor's children, Folashade, Nikos, and BRED, gave Davido a standing ovation and a round of applause, publicly honouring the singer for his contributions to the family's political campaign. The ban and the ongoing controversy continue to draw reactions from fans and political observers across Nigeria.
