Afrobeats star Davido has refused to apologise to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his decision to publish what he described as the governor’s WAEC result online, turning what began as a political exchange during the Osun governorship campaign into a much bigger argument about celebrity influence and Nigerian politics.
Speaking during an interview with News Central in Osun State on Tuesday, Davido defended the post and said he had no reason to apologise. “I’m not going to apologise. I didn’t do anything wrong. I was just telling people of the state the results their governor has.”
The dispute started after Okpebholo criticised Davido’s uncle, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, during the campaign for the August 15 election. Okpebholo mocked Adeleke’s dancing and questioned his leadership, prompting Davido to respond by sharing what appeared to be the Edo governor’s WAEC result.
A lawyer, Pa. Timothy Abiodun Olatokunbo Tugbiyele, later called on Davido to apologise, describing the response as inappropriate and disrespectful. Davido has now made it clear that he has no intention of doing so.
Davido Says Okpebholo Came Looking for Trouble
Davido believes Okpebholo crossed the line first by travelling from Edo to campaign in Osun while attacking Adeleke. “You came, you left your state, you came to another state. You came in and then started talking that my uncle is a dancer; he is not serious.”
He then escalated the exchange by questioning the governor’s electoral legitimacy. “First of all, you were not even elected; you were selected.”
Davido also warned that the political fight may not end with the Osun election. “In fact, finish your three years, we’ll visit you when it’s time for you to get re-elected.”
That statement is particularly interesting because it suggests Davido is no longer treating his political involvement as simply supporting his uncle. He is positioning himself as an active political voice who intends to remain involved beyond the Osun election.
The Bigger Question Is Davido’s Political Future
Davido’s growing involvement in politics has already attracted considerable attention.
He campaigned openly for Adeleke, mobilised young voters and became one of the most visible personalities around the Osun election. After his uncle’s victory, he said he had done his part in the election but also expressed frustration with Nigerian politics.
His latest comments suggest that leaving politics completely may not be as simple as he previously suggested.
The singer is now using his enormous audience to challenge elected officials publicly, while also making it clear that he does not automatically share every political position taken by his uncle.
That became even clearer when he addressed Adeleke’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“Yes, my uncle came out to announce that he’ll support Tinubu next year. But as for me, I’m not propelled to support anybody yet. Right now I don’t have any presidential candidate.” He also ruled out supporting the APC.
A Celebrity Is Now Becoming Part of Nigeria’s Political Conversation
The Okpebholo dispute shows how much Nigerian politics has changed. Davido does not hold elected office, but his social media audience gives him a platform larger than that of many politicians. A single post from him can generate national debate, provoke responses from political figures and put personal issues involving public officials under intense scrutiny.
Whether that influence will translate into long-term political power is another question. For now, Davido appears comfortable using his celebrity status to fight political battles on behalf of his family and the issues he believes in.
And judging by his refusal to apologise, the feud with Okpebholo is probably not over yet.
