‘We didn’t ban Davido from entering, performing in Edo’ — Information Commissioner

Edo State officials have categorically denied claims that they banned popular Nigerian musician Davido from entering or performing in the state, following recent tensions involving the governor and members of his administration. In response to allegations that Davido had been barred from Edo, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kassim Afegbua issued a public statement on Friday, asserting that no such ban existed and condemning those spreading false information as enemies of the state. The controversy began when Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo, suggested in a video released on Thursday that Davido should not expect to perform in Edo for the remainder of the governor's term. Chukwu went even further, stating in the video that Davido should be physically confronted if he were spotted in the state. This comment intensified the ongoing conflict between the singer and the governor, which had already escalated due to political tensions surrounding the recent gubernatorial elections in Osun State. Davido himself has previously rejected calls to apologize for remarks he made about Governor Okpebholo. These comments came after Okpebholo criticized Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, during the lead-up to the August 15 governorship election. In retaliation, Davido shared what appeared to be Governor Okpebholo’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results on his Instagram Story, following accusations from the governor that Adeleke was neglecting his duties in favor of dance-related activities. Afegbua emphasized that Edo State does not recognize any restrictions on Davido’s presence or performances within its borders. He labeled the individual who claimed to have imposed the ban as an "enemy of Edo State," describing them as an "impostor" and "fraud." The commissioner reiterated that the state government is open to collaboration with Davido and expressed willingness to host him if he wished to perform in Edo in the future. Afegbua highlighted the strong relationships maintained by Governor Okpebholo with individuals from diverse backgrounds and political persuasions. He praised Davido for his contributions to Nigeria’s international image and noted that the singer’s mother is originally from Edo State. The commissioner acknowledged that while there had been political discussions and campaign-related exchanges, these were not personal in nature. The commissioner also commended Davido for his achievements in the music industry and anticipated the possibility of him receiving a Grammy award. He stressed that the government values Davido’s efforts in bridging socio-political divides and promoting national unity through his work. The situation underscores the complex interplay between public figures and local governance in Nigeria, where political disputes can sometimes spill over into personal and professional spheres. As the narrative continues to unfold, the focus remains on clarifying the boundaries of official policy and ensuring that misinformation does not undermine the state’s position or the rights of its citizens.