Davido Welcome in Edo as Government Denies Ban Rumour

The Edo State Government on Friday dismissed reports that Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, had been banned from entering the state, describing the report as a “spiteful lie” allegedly circulated by an “impostor” and “fraud.

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The government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said it completely dissociated itself from the purported ban and maintained that Davido remains welcome in Edo State.
“Like all other Nigerians, we love and welcome Davido in Edo State,” the statement said.
Afegbua said Edo State was home to everyone, regardless of their beliefs, political affiliations or persuasions. He added that if Davido decided to perform in the state in the future, the government would be willing to collaborate with and support him.
According to him, the government would not only welcome the singer but would also host and celebrate him.
The commissioner described Davido as one of Edo’s illustrious sons, noting that his mother hails 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,” Afegbua said.
He further described the singer as one of Nigeria’s global ambassadors who had continued to make the country proud and build bridges of understanding across socio-political divides.
Afegbua also commended Davido’s conduct, commitment and achievements in the music industry, expressing optimism that the singer would eventually be awarded a Grammy.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Davido’s involvement in the recent Osun State election, the commissioner said the matter was purely political and had nothing personal attached to the exchanges that occurred during the campaigns.
“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 added that Governor Monday Okpebholo remained balanced in dealing with different groups and political leanings within the state.
The Edo Government’s position makes it clear that it does not intend to allow political differences to affect its relationship with Davido, whom it considers one of its own.
For now, the government says the doors of Edo State remain open to the Afrobeats star.