The Edo State Government has dismissed reports claiming that it has barred Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, from entering the state.
The denial followed a viral video in which an aide to the governor, Pastor Kassy Chukwu, claimed that Davido had been barred from visiting Edo State.
However, Okpebholo, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dissociated his administration from the claim, describing the person behind the purported ban as an impostor.
The governor said Edo State remained open to everyone regardless of their beliefs, political affiliations or other interests.
The statement read, “Our enemies are at it again; we did not ban Davido from entering Edo State. The proclaimer of that ban is an enemy of Edo State; an impostor, and a fraud.
“The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behaviour, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and/or legal affiliation.
“As a matter of fact, should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.
The commissioner said that Governor Monday Okpebholo was well balanced at home with various demographics and their leanings, adding, “Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo State; he’s exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him.
“Should he wish to visit Edo State, we would happily host and fete him. Whatever transpired in Osun State in the wake of last week’s election was purely politics and nothing more. There was nothing personal in the conversations that deepened the campaigns.
“Davido is a young man who has remained one of Nigeria’s global ambassadors, doing us proud and building bridges of understanding across the socio-political divides.
“As a government, we are pleased with his conduct, commitment and calculated conquest in the music industry. Indeed, we look forward to him being awarded a Grammy title