By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Edo State Government has denied reports that it barred Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, from entering the state, describing the purported ban as the work of an impostor and distancing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration from the development.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the state government said it welcomed Davido and regarded him as one of Edo’s illustrious sons through his maternal connection to the state.

“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,” Afegbua said.

The commissioner said the government had no intention of restricting Davido’s access to the state because of his political affiliation, beliefs or other associations.

He said Edo remained open to everyone, adding that the state government would be willing to work with the singer if he decided to perform there.

“The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behavior, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation,” he said.

Afegbua added that should Davido decide to visit or perform in Edo in the future, the government would be prepared to receive him.

“Should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him,” the commissioner said.

He described Davido as a global ambassador for Nigeria who had used his music career to build bridges across socio-political divides.

Afegbua also praised the singer’s achievements in the music industry and expressed optimism that he would eventually win a Grammy award.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner said the controversy surrounding Davido’s political exchanges following the recent Osun State election should not be interpreted as a personal dispute.

According to him, whatever transpired in Osun State was political and should be viewed within that context.

“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,” Afegbua said.

He further described Governor Okpebholo as accommodating of different political and social leanings within the state, saying the administration remained committed to maintaining Edo as a home for people of diverse backgrounds.

The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behavior, and wishes to state further that Edo State is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation,” he said.