Davido Banned From Performing in Edo State After Clash With Governor Okpebholo

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has reportedly been barred from performing in Edo State following his public clash with Governor Monday Okpebholo over the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

The dispute began during the campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji. Okpebholo criticised the performance of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, suggesting that his dancing had become a distraction from governance.

Davido, who is a relative of Governor Adeleke, responded by mocking Okpebholo on social media. The singer shared what he presented as the governor’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result in an apparent attempt to question his academic record.

The exchange escalated after Adeleke secured victory in the Osun election. Speaking to News Central, Davido said he had no intention of apologising to Okpebholo, arguing that the Edo governor had no justification for attacking a sitting governor whom he believed was performing better.

Davido also took his response further in an open letter posted on Instagram, challenging Okpebholo to prepare for further confrontation. The public dispute has since moved beyond social media, with the singer now reportedly facing a ban from performing in Edo State.

The development adds a new dimension to the political fallout surrounding the Osun election, particularly as Davido has remained publicly vocal in support of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The reported ban also highlights the increasingly blurred line between Nigeria’s entertainment and political spaces, where celebrities are becoming more willing to openly challenge political figures and participate in election-related debates.