The Edo State Government has dismissed reports claiming that popular Nigerian musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from entering or performing in the state.
Recall that a Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Edo State Governor , Monday Okpebholo, one Apostle Kassy Chukwu, declared that the Afrobeats star Davido will not be allowed to perform in the state for the remainder of the governor’s tenure.
Chukwu made the declaration in a video shared on YouTube by Peniel TV International, Benin City, on Thursday.
The state government , through Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua described the purported ban as the handiwork of an impostor and an attempt by its enemies to create division, stressing that Edo remained open to all Nigerians irrespective of their beliefs, political affiliations or associations.
Prince Afegbua, in a statement on Friday, said the government had no connection with the purported ban and completely dissociated itself from it.
According to him, “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 said the state government would welcome Davido and was prepared to work with him should he decide to stage a performance in Edo State in the future.
He stated, “The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behavior, and wishes to state further that Edo state is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation.
“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,”
The commissioner further said Governor Monday Okpebholo had maintained a balanced relationship with the various groups and interests in the state, noting that Davido, whose mother is from Edo State, remained one of the state’s illustrious sons.
He said, “Governor Okpebholo is very well balanced at home with various demographics and their leanings. Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo state; he’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him.”
“Should he wish to visit Edo state, we would happily host and fete him,” Afegbua added.
The commissioner also clarified that whatever disagreement may have arisen between Davido and political actors in Osun State following last week’s election was strictly political and should not be interpreted as a personal matter.
He said, “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.”
Afegbua described Davido as one of Nigeria’s prominent global ambassadors who had continued to project the country internationally through his music and influence.
He said, “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.”
The commissioner added that the Edo State Government appreciated the musician’s achievements and hoped that his international success would culminate in recognition at the Grammy Awards.
“As a government, we are pleased with his conduct, commitment and calculated conquest in the music industry. Indeed, we look forward to him being awarded a Grammy title,” he said.
