We did not ban Davido from entering Edo - Information commissioner

The Edo State Government has officially refuted claims that popular Afrobeats musician David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has been banned from entering the state. This clarification comes after a government aide made a public statement suggesting such a ban.

“

You have been banned from coming to Edo State to perform. We don’t want to see you in Edo again.

Earlier, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated in a video that Davido should not anticipate performing in Edo for the duration of the governor's current term. Chukwu's comments followed Davido's refusal to apologize for remarks made about Governor Okpebholo after the governor had criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido's uncle, prior to the August governorship election.

“

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.

Davido had shared what appeared to be Okpebholo's WAEC result on his Instagram Story and defended the post during an interview, asserting he had no reason to apologize. In response, Chukwu declared Davido banned from performing in Edo State for the remainder of Okpebholo's administration, accusing the singer of disrespectful comments.

“

The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behaviour, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and/or legal affiliation.

However, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, issued a statement dissociating the government from such sentiments. Afegbua asserted that Edo State is a welcoming home to everyone, irrespective of their beliefs or 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," Afegbua stated. He added that the state would be willing to collaborate with Davido should he wish to perform there in the future, emphasizing that the governor respects all demographics and that Davido, whose mother hails from Edo State, is an exemplary figure they are pleased to associate with.

“

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.