The Edo State Government has denied officially preventing Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, from entering the state, distancing itself from a warning issued by an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The clarification follows comments attributed to Apostle Kassy Chukwu, an aide to the Edo governor, who reportedly warned Davido against coming to the state to perform.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of a growing public disagreement between Davido and Governor Okpebholo.
The singer has been openly critical of the governor, particularly over his comments involving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle.
The disagreement intensified during the build-up to the 2026 Osun governorship election and has continued even after Adeleke secured re-election.
Edo government clarifies position
The state’s Information Commissioner has now rejected claims that Davido was officially banned from entering Edo.
The government maintained that the state remains open to visitors and that no formal restriction had been placed on the singer.
The clarification is significant because the earlier comments by the governor’s aide could have been interpreted as representing the position of the Edo State Government.
The latest response, however, indicates that the warning should not be treated as an official government ban.
Davido dispute continues
Davido’s disagreement with Okpebholo has attracted considerable attention because of the singer’s close relationship with Adeleke.
The musician has also maintained that he has no intention of apologising to the Edo governor over their public disagreement.
Meanwhile, Davido’s aide, Israel DMW, has also pushed back against the suggestion that the singer could be prevented from visiting Edo.
The controversy has therefore moved beyond a personal disagreement between two public figures and into a broader political and entertainment debate.
For now, however, the Edo Government’s position is that Davido has not been officially banned from entering the state.
The clarification effectively separates the government’s formal position from the remarks attributed to the governor’s aide.