BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has denied reports that it barred Nigerian music star, Davido, from entering the state, describing the claim as false and the work of individuals seeking to create division.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, in a statement, said the government had no policy banning Davido from visiting or performing in Edo State.
Afegbua said the government welcomed the singer like every other Nigerian and would be willing to partner with him if he chooses to perform in the state in the future.
“Like all other Nigerians, we love and welcome Davido in Edo State,” the commissioner said.
He described the purported announcement of a ban as the action of an “enemy of Edo State,” an impostor and a fraud, stressing that the state government dissociated itself from what he described as spiteful behaviour.
According to him, Edo State remains home to all Nigerians irrespective of their beliefs, political affiliations, persuasions or legal associations.
The commissioner said Davido, whose mother hails from Edo State, is regarded by the government as one of the state’s illustrious sons.
“Should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him,” Afegbua said.
He added that Governor Monday Okpebholo had maintained a balanced approach in managing the diverse interests and political leanings of residents across the state.
Afegbua also dismissed any suggestion that the Edo State Government had a personal disagreement with the singer over events surrounding the recent election in Osun State.
He said whatever transpired in Osun State in the wake of the election was “purely politics and nothing more,” adding that there was nothing personal about the exchanges that characterised the campaigns.
The commissioner described Davido as one of Nigeria’s leading global ambassadors who had continued to promote the country through his music and build bridges across socio-political divides.
“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,” he said.
Afegbua further commended the singer for his achievements in the music industry, saying the Edo State Government was pleased with his conduct and contributions to Nigeria’s global entertainment profile.
He expressed optimism that Davido would eventually win a Grammy Award, adding that the state looked forward to celebrating such an achievement.
