Davido banned from Edo performances over Okpebholo feud — Gov’s aide

The Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kassy Chukwu, has said Afrobeats singer Davido will not be allowed to perform in the state for the remainder of the governor’s tenure.

Chukwu made the statement in a video shared by Peniel TV International, Benin City, amid the ongoing public dispute between Davido and Okpebholo.

The aide said the decision followed Davido’s refusal to apologise for comments directed at the governor after Okpebholo criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle, during the build-up to the August 15 governorship election.

“You have been banned from coming to Edo State to perform. We don’t want to see you in Edo again,” Chukwu said.

He accused Davido of making disrespectful remarks about Okpebholo and his family, adding that the singer should not expect to be welcomed for performances in the state during the governor’s tenure.

Chukwu also claimed that some Edo youths were angered by Davido’s comments and warned that the singer could face a hostile reception if he returned to the state.

“Edo youths are angry. They said if they catch you again, nobody should bring Davido to come and perform in any place again in Edo State,” he said.

The dispute escalated after Okpebholo criticised Adeleke’s conduct and dancing during the Osun election campaign.

Davido subsequently shared what appeared to be the governor’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result on his Instagram Story.

The singer later defended the post in an interview, saying he had no reason to apologise for sharing the document.

Davido argued that Okpebholo had travelled to Osun to campaign against his uncle and that he was merely responding by drawing attention to the governor’s academic record.

He also questioned Okpebholo’s decision to leave Edo during the election campaign and criticised aspects of the governor’s electoral mandate.

Chukwu, however, described the document shared by Davido as allegedly manipulated and warned the singer against making similar posts about the governor.

The aide’s latest comments have sparked reactions online as the public disagreement between Davido and Okpebholo continues.

The governor himself has not, in the statement cited, announced a formal government directive banning the singer from entering Edo State or performing there.