Israel DMW, the outspoken logistics manager for Afrobeats superstar Davido, has vehemently rejected reports suggesting that the singer has been banned from performing in Edo State. Taking to social media, Israel, an Edo State indigene himself, insisted that no individual has the authority to prevent the music icon from entering or performing in the state.
The Alleged Ban and Its Origins
The controversy erupted following statements reportedly made by Apostle Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo. In a widely circulated video, Chukwu allegedly claimed that Davido had been barred from the state due to derogatory remarks the singer made against Governor Okpebholo during the Osun State governorship election cycle.
However, the directive did not sit well with Israel DMW, who quickly stepped forward to defend his boss, highlighting Davido’s deep-rooted personal connection to Edo State.
‘Edo is His Maternal Home’ — Israel DMW Fires Back
In a fiery social media post, Israel debunked the ban, reminding critics that Davido’s late mother, Dr. Veronica Imade Adeleke, hailed from Edo State, making the region the singer’s maternal home. He argued that it is culturally and legally impossible to ban a son of the soil from his own motherland.
Israel did not hold back in his criticism of Apostle Kassy Chukwu, dismissing him as an outsider who does not speak for the people of Edo. He accused the governor’s aide of being a non-indigene from Ebonyi State who is merely causing trouble in Benin City.
“He is from Ebonyi State, and not from Edo. 100% a real settler, who has become a complete nuisance in Benin City,” Israel wrote in an aggressive online tirade. “Kindly disregard what he’s saying. He’s not speaking for we Edolites. No man on this planet earth can ban Oga from Edo, his maternal home.”
An Escalating Feud
This latest clash highlights the growing intersection of Nigerian entertainment and politics, where political affiliations and statements made during election seasons often spill over into the music landscape. Neither the Edo State government nor Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued an official state press release confirming or denying the alleged ban announced by the media aide.