The Edo State Government has denied reports that Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from entering the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the report as false in a statement issued on Friday.
An online publication had claimed that the government barred the singer from visiting Edo State. However, Afegbua described the report as an attempt by individuals he called enemies of the state to create unnecessary tension.
The commissioner said the Edo State Government had no reason to prevent Davido from entering the state, stressing that the state remained open to everyone regardless of political affiliation, beliefs or associations.
> “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,” Afegbua said.
He added that the government would even be willing to work with Davido if the singer decided to organise a performance in the state.
> “Should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him,” he stated.
Afegbua described Governor Monday Okpebholo as a leader who accommodates people from different backgrounds and political leanings.
He also referred to Davido as one of Edo State’s illustrious sons, noting that the singer’s mother is 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,” he said.
The commissioner further stated that Davido would be welcomed if he chose to visit Edo.
> “Should he wish to visit Edo State, we would happily host and fete him,” he added.
According to Afegbua, whatever disagreements or controversies surrounded Davido’s involvement in the recent Osun State governorship election were purely political and should not be interpreted as a personal dispute.
He praised the singer for his contribution to Nigeria’s global image, describing him as one of the country’s international ambassadors who has helped build bridges across political and social divides.
The commissioner also commended Davido’s achievements in the music industry and expressed hope that the singer would eventually receive a Grammy Award.
