The Edo State Government has denied reports that Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from entering or performing in the state.
The government described the reported ban as the action of an impostor and stressed that Edo remains open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, beliefs or personal associations.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, following comments by the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Apostle Kassy Chukwu.
Chukwu had said Davido should not expect to perform in Edo State for the remainder of Governor Okpebholo’s administration, following the singer’s refusal to apologise over comments made during a political dispute involving the governor.
The disagreement began after Davido criticised Okpebholo following the governor’s comments about Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle.
Davido had also shared what appeared to be the governor’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story and later defended the post during an interview, maintaining that he had no reason to apologise.
However, Afegbua said the state government had no involvement in the reported ban.
“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,” the commissioner stated.He added that the Edo State Government dissociated itself from what he described as spiteful behaviour, stressing that the state belongs to everyone.
According to him, should Davido decide to perform in Edo in the future, the government would be willing to collaborate with him.
Afegbua further described Davido as one of Nigeria’s prominent global ambassadors and noted that the singer has Edo roots through his mother.
“Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo State; he’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him,” he said.
The commissioner said the recent disagreement was purely political and should not be interpreted as a personal conflict.
He maintained that the government was proud of Davido’s achievements in the music industry and expressed optimism that the singer would continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage.
The development effectively distances the Edo State Government from the reported ban and leaves the door open for Davido to visit or perform in the state.
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