The ongoing public disagreement between Nigerian music star Davido and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken a fresh turn after a senior aide to the governor declared that the singer would not be welcome to perform in the state.
Apostle Kassy Chukwu, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media, made the statement in a video shared by Peniel TV International, warning Davido against returning to Edo State for performances.
According to Chukwu, the singer has been barred from staging shows in Edo for the remainder of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure. He also claimed that some residents were unhappy with Davido over comments he allegedly made about the governor and his family.
The warning comes amid a growing political and personal dispute that began around the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Governor Okpebholo had criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle, over his conduct during the election campaign. Davido subsequently responded on social media, escalating the disagreement.
The singer shared what appeared to be a copy of Governor Okpebholo’s WAEC result and later defended the decision, arguing that he was highlighting the academic record of a governor who had travelled outside Edo to campaign in Osun.
Davido also questioned Okpebholo’s involvement in the Osun election and criticised his comments about Adeleke.
Chukwu, however, accused the singer of disrespect and warned that returning to Edo could attract a hostile reception.
The development has sparked fresh reactions online, with some Nigerians arguing that political disagreements should not be allowed to interfere with an artiste’s professional activities, while others believe public figures should be held accountable for statements made against political leaders.
For now, the declaration has added another layer to the already heated exchange between Davido and the Edo State government. It also remains unclear whether any formal state directive has been issued beyond the comments made by the governor’s aide.
