Edo State Bans Davido From Performing Over Governor Dispute

Afrobeats star Davido has been banned from performing in Edo State for the remainder of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration, according to a warning issued by a senior government aide. The ban follows a public dispute that escalated after the singer shared what appeared to be the governor's academic results and refused to apologize for his comments.

The conflict began during the campaign for the August 15 Osun State governorship election. Governor Okpebholo, while campaigning in Osun, criticized its governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido's uncle, for his frequent dancing. Davido responded by defending his uncle and criticizing Okpebholo. The singer shared an image on his Instagram Story that he identified as Okpebholo's West African Senior School Certificate Examination result. He also questioned why the Edo governor had traveled to campaign in another state and challenged his electoral mandate.

In a subsequent interview on August 18, Davido stated he would not apologize. "I am not going to apologize to Monday Okpebholo. I posted his WAEC results for the people of Edo State to see who is governing them," he said. He also warned that political opposition would come when...