By SCM Political Desk I Saturday, August 22, 2026
BENIN CITY — The political friction stemming from the recent Osun State governorship election has taken an unexpected turn in Edo State, following a stern declaration that Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, will no longer be allowed to perform in the state for the remainder of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
The declaration was made by Apostle Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Okpebholo, in a broadcast video released by Peniel TV International, Benin City. Chukwu warned the music icon to stay away from entertainment venues within Edo State, citing alleged disrespect toward the state’s chief executive and his family.
“You have been banned from coming to Edo State to perform. We don’t want to see you in Edo again,” Chukwu declared.
He added that public resentment was brewing among local youths over the singer’s recent political commentary, stating: “Edo youths are angry. They said if they catch you again, nobody should bring Davido to come and perform in any place again in Edo State”.
At the center of the dispute is a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) statement of result circulated on social media, which allegedly belongs to Governor Okpebholo.
The document, laden with D7 grades across multiple subjects, was published by Davido on his Instagram Story during the high-stakes political campaigns.
Chukwu strongly criticized the publication, accusing the Grammy-nominated artist of circulating a manipulated document intended to defame the governor.
He cautioned the singer against repeating similar online posts, noting that public office holders deserve respect regardless of political differences.
Origins of the Feud: Osun Election Campaigns
The rift between the multi-award-winning singer and the Edo State chief executive originated during the build-up to the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Governor Okpebholo had traveled to Osun State to participate in campaign activities for his political party. While addressing crowds during campaign rallies, Okpebholo publicly targeted the sitting Osun State Governor, Senator
Ademola Adeleke—who is Davido’s biological uncle. Okpebholo questioned Adeleke’s leadership style, mocking his frequent public dancing and suggesting that such conduct was unbefitting of governance duties.
In swift retaliation, Davido utilized his massive social media reach to defend his uncle, sharing the questionable WASSCE result to highlight what he framed as Okpebholo’s academic shortcomings.
During a subsequent media interview, Davido firmly refused to tender an apology to the Edo State Governor. The singer maintained that he owed no apologies for presenting public records to Osun voters, arguing that Okpebholo had left his primary administrative duties in Edo State merely to attack his uncle’s political standing in another state.
The clash highlights the growing intersection of Nigerian entertainment, pop culture, and electoral politics. Davido has consistently utilized his vast platform to campaign for his family’s political interests in Osun State, most notably during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s gubernatorial campaigns.
On the other hand, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office as the Chief Executive of Edo State, has been actively involved in regional party affairs across the South-South and South-West geopolitical zones.
While Apostle Chukwu’s pronouncement reflects heightened tensions between the governor’s digital media team and the music star, observers note that official bans on entertainment events typically require formal executive orders or regulatory state directives.
Nevertheless, the statement underlines the lingering political aftershocks of the Osun governorship contest across state borders.
