Edo Govt Disowns Purported Ban on Davido, Says Singer Welcome in State

BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has denied reports that Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from entering the state, describing the claim as false and unauthorised.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, made the clarification in a statement, saying the government had no connection with the purported ban.

“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.

He stressed that Edo State remained open to all Nigerians irrespective of their political beliefs, affiliations or other lawful associations.

“The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behaviour, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and/or legal affiliation,” he said.

Afegbua said the state government would be willing to collaborate with Davido if the singer decided to perform in Edo State in the future.

“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 stated.

He described Davido as one of Edo State’s illustrious sons, noting that the singer’s late mother hailed from the state.

“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 said.

The commissioner also sought to separate the controversy from political exchanges surrounding the recent Osun election, saying there was no personal disagreement between the singer and the Edo State Government.

“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 further praised Davido for his contribution to Nigeria’s music industry and for projecting the country positively on the international stage.

“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.

“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.”

Afegbua reiterated that the Okpebholo administration had no objection to Davido visiting or performing in Edo State and maintained that the state remained welcoming to Nigerians from diverse political and social backgrounds.