A senior aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has withdrawn comments suggesting that Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, would not be allowed to perform in the state.
The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media, Kassy Chukwu, issued the clarification and apology after his earlier remarks generated controversy online. Chukwu explained that his comments were made personally and did not represent the position of Governor Okpebholo or the Edo State Government.
In an apology video, Chukwu said he had reacted emotionally to remarks attributed to Davido concerning the governor and his children. He stressed that he did not make the earlier statement on the governor’s instructions or with official government approval.
“I want to apologise to his Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for whatever embarrassment my comment may have caused him,” Chukwu said.
He also apologised to Edo residents, acknowledging that his statement could have been interpreted as representing the people of the state.
“My comment, in my personal opinion, did not reflect the opinion of all Edo people in any way,” he said, adding, “I want to say I’m really sorry.”
Addressing Davido directly, the aide asked the singer to disregard his previous remarks and assured him that he remained welcome in Edo.
“Please disregard my earlier comment. Edo loves you and, of course, you are welcome home anytime, any day, in Edo State,” Chukwu said.
The development is significant because the initial statement had raised questions about whether Davido had actually been banned from Edo State or prevented from performing there. Chukwu’s latest comments make clear that the earlier position was personal rather than an official government policy.
The controversy highlights the potential impact of statements made by political appointees, particularly when they concern prominent public figures.
Davido, one of Nigeria’s leading Afrobeats artists, has previously attracted public attention for his outspoken views on political and social issues. The latest episode has now shifted from an apparent confrontation to an apology, with the governor’s aide seeking to distance the state government from his earlier comments.
