The fresh exchange between Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided over the singer’s latest comments.
Davido had said he would not apologise to Okpebholo over his decision to share what he claimed were the governor’s West African Examinations Council results online.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with News Central, the singer explained why he published the alleged result.
“I am not going to apologise to Monday Okpebholo,” Davido said. “I posted his WAEC results for the people of Edo State to see who is governing them.”
The authenticity of the examination result shared by Davido has not been independently established.
The singer also criticised the condition of infrastructure in Edo State, particularly the road leading to the Government House.
“The road to your Government House is not constructed,” he said.
Davido then appeared to look ahead to the next election, saying, “We will visit him when it is time for his re-election.”
His comments have since sparked a heated debate online, with some Nigerians accusing him of going too far, while others defended his right to speak on political issues.
One user, Adeomoade, urged the singer to exercise restraint, arguing that Davido should not position himself as an opposition figure against a sitting governor in another state.
The user wrote that Davido “need[s] to calm down,” stressing that political responsibility should largely remain with elected politicians.
Another critic, Akikanju, took a stronger position, describing Davido as “arrogant, pompous and immature” and accusing him of being disrespectful to older public figures.
However, some users rejected the criticism of the singer and argued that Okpebholo should also face scrutiny over the remarks that initially triggered the dispute.
Amina Yusuf said the governor should apologise as well, arguing that he was responsible for starting the exchange.
“Monday should apologise too because he was the one who started this whole thing when he said Davido’s uncle does more dancing than working,” she said.
Another user, Ibrahim Amonkun, similarly questioned why calls for an apology were being directed at Davido alone.
“Why didn’t they ask the Edo State Governor to apologise too, considering he was the one who started this whole back-and-forth? If we’re calling for apologies, it should apply to everyone involved,” the user wrote.
Some supporters also defended Davido’s involvement in political discussions, rejecting the argument that entertainers should stay away from politics.
Goodluck argued that ordinary citizens, including celebrities, have the right to question their leaders because politicians govern everyone.
Another commenter, Bruno Fernandes broda, pointed to Davido’s maternal connection to Edo, saying his interest in the state should not automatically be dismissed.
There were also reactions focused on the substance of Davido’s criticism rather than the personal exchange.
Emmanuella Terfa argued that the discussion should move away from the examination records and focus on infrastructure.
“Academic records shouldn’t really be the focus here, the real question is why the road isn’t done. That’s what should be trending,” the user said.
The dispute between Davido and Okpebholo reportedly began after the Edo governor made remarks about Davido’s uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, including comments about Adeleke’s fondness for dancing.
Davido described the remarks as disrespectful and took particular exception to Okpebholo travelling outside Edo to comment on the Osun governor.
“You left your state and came to another state. You came in and then started talking that my uncle is a dancer; he is not serious,” Davido said.
He added, “First of all, you were not even elected; you were selected.”
Davido has also claimed that his social media influence played a role in the political contest in Osun State, where his uncle secured re-election.
“I defeated 17 governors with my phone,” he said.
The latest development has therefore moved beyond a disagreement between two individuals, with Nigerians now debating the limits of celebrity involvement in politics, the performance of elected officials and whether public figures should be held to the same standards when political arguments become personal.
For now, Davido’s declaration that he has no intention of apologising has ensured that the dispute with Okpebholo remains firmly in the public spotlight.
Watch Davido speak on his clash with Governor Monday Okpebholo below:
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