The Edo State Government, through an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo, has declared that Nigerian singer Davido will not be allowed to perform in the state for the remainder of the governor's tenure. The declaration, made in a video shared on YouTube by Peniel TV International, Benin City, on Thursday, comes amid an escalating public dispute between the singer and the governor.
Aide's Declaration and Warning
Apostle Kassy Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Okpebholo, made the announcement, stating, "You have been banned from coming to Edo State to perform. We don't want to see you in Edo again." He accused Davido of making disrespectful comments about the governor and his family, and warned that the singer could face resistance from residents if he attempted to return to the state, including at the airport.
"Edo youths are angry. They said if they catch you again, nobody should bring Davido to come and perform in any place again in Edo State," Chukwu said in the video, which has since circulated widely online.
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute traces back to the buildup to the August 15 Osun State governorship election, in which Okpebholo publicly criticised Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido's uncle, over his conduct and dancing. Davido responded by sharing what appeared to be a copy of Okpebholo's WAEC result on his Instagram Story, a post he later defended in an interview, saying he had no reason to apologise for it.
Davido argued that he had simply shown Osun residents the academic record of a governor who had travelled to their state to campaign against his uncle. He also criticised Okpebholo for leaving Edo State to participate in another state's election and publicly questioned the legitimacy of his mandate as governor.
Response and Repercussions
In his response, Chukwu also pushed back on the authenticity of the shared document, describing it as allegedly manipulated, and cautioned Davido against making similar posts targeting the governor going forward. The video of Chukwu's comments has since added fresh attention to the ongoing back-and-forth between the singer and the Edo State Government, with no indication yet that either side intends to de-escalate the dispute.
