The Edo State Government has denied claims that it banned Afrobeats singer David “Davido” Adeleke from entering or performing in the state.
Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, rejected the claim in a statement on Friday.
His response followed comments by Kassy Chukwu, an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Edo State Government had said Davido would not be allowed to perform in Edo State for the rest of the governor’s tenure.
Afegbua described the claim as false and said the person behind it did not represent the state government.
“Our enemies have returned with another false claim. Davido was never banned from entering Edo State. The person who declared the ban is an impostor and a fraudster who does not represent the interests of the state,” he said.
The commissioner also distanced the government from the alleged ban.
He said Edo State belongs to everyone, regardless of their beliefs, political views, affiliations or legal associations.
The controversy followed a political exchange involving Governor Okpebholo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Davido later shared what appeared to be Okpebholo’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story.
He posted it after Okpebholo accused Adeleke of focusing on dancing instead of his duties as governor.
Afegbua said Okpebholo maintains strong relationships with people across different demographic and political groups.
He also described Davido as one of Edo State’s prominent sons. He noted that the singer’s mother hails from the state.
“He is 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 said.
He added that the dispute surrounding the Osun election was purely political.
“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,” he said.
Afegbua also praised Davido for his global influence and contribution to Nigeria’s image.
“Davido is a young man who has remained one of Nigeria’s global ambassadors, doing us proud and building bridges of understanding across the socio-political divides,” he said.
The commissioner said the government was pleased with Davido’s conduct, commitment and achievements in the music industry.
He added that the government looked forward to the singer winning a Grammy Award.
