Edo Government Bans Davido From Performing in State Until End of Okpebholo’s Administration

The ongoing war of words between Afrobeats superstar Davido and the Edo State Government has taken a dramatic turn, with the state government declaring that the singer is no longer welcome to perform in Edo State for the remainder of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

The declaration was made by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, in a video shared by Peniel TV International, Benin City. According to Chukwu, Davido has effectively been banned from performing in the state following his public comments about Governor Okpebholo and his family.

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

Chukwu claimed that Davido’s comments had angered many young people in the state and warned against inviting the singer to perform at events in Edo.

“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 also accused the singer of sharing a manipulated version of Governor Okpebholo’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result online. Chukwu warned Davido against repeating such posts, adding another layer to the increasingly heated dispute between the singer and the governor’s camp.

The controversy reportedly intensified during the build-up to the August 15 Osun State governorship election. Governor Okpebholo had criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle, over his dancing style and conduct while campaigning in the state. Davido subsequently responded by sharing what he described as Governor Okpebholo’s WAEC result on his Instagram Story.

The post generated widespread reactions online, with social media users debating both the authenticity of the document and the appropriateness of Davido’s decision to publish it.

Rather than backing down, Davido later defended his decision to share the result during an interview. The singer reportedly said he had no reason to apologise, arguing that he was simply showing Osun residents the academic record of a governor who had travelled to campaign against his uncle.

With the latest declaration from the governor’s aide, what began as a political disagreement has now spilled into the entertainment industry. If the ban is enforced as stated, Davido would be unable to headline concerts or other performances in Edo State for the remainder of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

The development has already raised questions about the intersection of politics, entertainment and freedom of expression, with Nigerians expected to weigh in on whether the state government’s response is justified.