The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has clarified claims alleging that Davido has been banned from entering or performing in the State.
It would be recalled that Kassy Chukwu, Okpebholo’s senior special assistant on digital media, claimed on social media that the singer had been banned from the state over “Davido’s disrespect towards the governor”.
He also alleged that youths angered by the perceived disrespect towards the governor would deal with Davido if he visited the State.
“Since you are so disrespectful, you’ve been banned from performing in Edo State. We don’t want to see you here again for the rest of this administration, since you’re insulting the governor of the state,” he said.
“Edo youths are angry. They said they will deal with you if you come. Nobody should bring Davido to perform in the state, and if you come, you will have to take what you see.”
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However, speaking on the matter, the governor’s commissioner for information, Kassim Afegbua, in a statement, distanced the governor from what was described as “spiteful behaviour”, as he described the person behind the alleged ban as an “enemy of the state, impostor and fraud”.
He said the state would welcome and partner with Davido if the singer chooses to perform in Edo in the future, describing him as one of the state’s “illustrious sons”.
The governor also praised Davido’s contribution to Nigeria’s global image and music industry, saying the disagreement in Osun was purely political and not personal.
“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. 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,” the statement reads in part.
“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. 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. 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.
“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.
“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.”
