The Edo State Government on Friday refuted reports claiming that Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, globally known as Davido had been banned from entering the state.
In a fiery statement, the government declared the so-called ban as the work of “an enemy of Edo State; an impostor, and a fraud.”
“Like all other Nigerians, we love and welcome Davido in Edo State,” the statement read.
Speaking for the government, Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo completely dissociates itself from the rumour.
“Edo state is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation,” Afegbua stated.
He went further: Should Davido decide to perform in Edo in the future, “the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.”
In fact, the government said it would not just welcome him — it would also host and fete him.
The Commissioner reminded Nigerians that Davido has Edo blood running through his veins.
“Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo state; he’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him,” he said.
Afegbua described the singer as one of Nigeria’s “global ambassadors” who has been “doing us proud and building bridges of understanding across the socio-political divides.”
He praised Davido’s “conduct, commitment and calculated conquest in the music industry,” adding that the government “indeed, looks forward to him being awarded a Grammy title.”
The statement also addressed the tension that trailed Davido’s involvement in last week’s Osun State election.
“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 said.
He added that Governor Okpebholo “is very well balanced at home with various demographics and their leanings.”
The message was direct: Edo will not be dragged into political pettiness. And it will not turn its back on one of its own.
“Davido, Edo is calling you home,” it further reports.
