The Edo State Government has denied reports that Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been barred from entering the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, described the report as false in a statement issued on Friday.
Afegbua said there was no directive preventing Davido from visiting Edo, dismissing the claim as an attempt to misrepresent the position of the state government.
Edo govt denies Davido travel ban
An online report had claimed that the government banned Davido from entering Edo following disagreements involving the Adeleke family and Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo during the recently concluded Osun governorship election.
Responding to the report, Afegbua said the Edo Government had no such policy and rejected what he described as an attempt to create unnecessary tension.
He stressed that Edo remained open to everyone irrespective of political affiliation, personal beliefs or associations.
Govt willing to host Davido
Afegbua said the state government would be prepared to work with Davido if the singer decides to visit or perform in Edo in the future.
He described the music star as one of the state’s prominent sons because of his Edo family connection through his mother.
According to the commissioner, the state would welcome Davido and celebrate his achievements if he chooses to visit.
Afegbua said whatever disagreements occurred during the political activities surrounding the Osun election should be viewed within the context of politics rather than as a personal dispute.
Commissioner praises Davido’s global influence
The Edo commissioner described Davido as one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised cultural ambassadors.
He said the singer had contributed to Nigeria’s global image through his music and had helped connect people across political and social divides.
Afegbua also expressed the state government’s appreciation for Davido’s achievements in the entertainment industry.
He wished the singer success in his career and expressed hope that he would eventually win a Grammy Award.
