The Edo State Government has moved to clarify comments suggesting that Nigerian music star Davido had been banned from performing in the state.
The clarification followed remarks by an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, who had claimed that Davido would not be allowed to perform in Edo State following the singer’s recent public disagreement with the governor.
However, Osiobughie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Okpebholo, has distanced the state government from the reported ban.
According to Okhuemoi, the controversy surrounding Davido was largely political, stressing that Chukwu was not speaking on behalf of the Edo State Government.
He explained that the government could not simply impose a blanket ban preventing an artiste from performing in the state, suggesting that the earlier comments should not be interpreted as official government policy.
The clarification comes amid an increasingly public disagreement between Davido and Governor Okpebholo, which became more heated during the build-up to the Osun State governorship election.
Davido had criticised Okpebholo after the governor became involved in political activities in Osun, where Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, was seeking re-election. The exchange subsequently spilled onto social media.
Government addresses Benin City Bypass controversy
During the clarification, Okhuemoi also addressed concerns surrounding the Benin City Bypass project, which has recently generated public discussion in Edo State.
He provided the government’s position on the controversy and defended the administration’s handling of the project, amid questions from members of the public.
Debt concerns also addressed
The media aide further responded to concerns over Edo State’s domestic debt, which has reportedly risen by ₦59.37 billion.
Despite the reported increase, Okhuemoi insisted that Governor Okpebholo has not borrowed any money since assuming office.
The conflicting statements over Davido have therefore added another layer to the controversy, with the governor’s media office now making it clear that the earlier claim of a ban should not be regarded as an official position of the Edo State Government.
For now, Davido’s future performances in Edo remain a subject of public interest, particularly as the political disagreement between the singer and the governor continues to attract attention online.
