Edo State Government denies banning Davido, calls singer an 'illustrious son'

The Edo State Government has officially refuted claims that Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known as Davido, has been banned from entering or performing within the state. The denial was issued by Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in response to recent statements made by a senior aide to the governor.

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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.

Earlier, Kassy Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo, had stated in a video that Davido should not expect to perform in Edo State for the remainder of the governor's tenure and even suggested physical harm if he were seen there. This statement intensified a dispute between the singer and the governor's office.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Davido during an interview, where he rejected calls for an apology regarding comments he made about Governor Okpebholo. Davido had previously posted what appeared to be the governor's WAEC result on his Instagram Story after Okpebholo criticized Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido's uncle, during the election build-up.

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Regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation. As a matter of fact, should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.

Commissioner Afegbua clarified that the Edo State Government distances itself from such "spiteful behaviour" and emphasized that Edo State is welcoming to all, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. He stated that the government would be willing to collaborate with Davido should he wish to perform in the future.

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He’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him. Should he wish to visit Edo State, we would be happy to host and fete him.

Afegbua further described Davido as an "illustrious son" of the state, noting that the singer's mother hails from Edo State. He characterized the past exchanges as purely political and not personal, praising Davido as a global ambassador for Nigeria who makes the country proud. The commissioner expressed anticipation for Davido potentially receiving a Grammy award.

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Whatever transpired in Osun State in the wake of last week’s election was purely politics and nothing more. There was nothing personal in the conversations that deepened the campaigns.