Nigerian music icon, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has made a dramatic U-turn on his earlier criticism of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, amid the escalating local government crisis in the state.
The controversy erupted after sacked local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to reclaim their seats despite court rulings affirming their removal. The resulting chaos led to violent clashes, prompting the singer to lash out at the police chief via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, accusing him of negligence in upholding the rule of law.
However, in a late-night statement on Monday, Davido admitted that his emotions clouded his judgment, acknowledging the relentless efforts of the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to contain the unrest.
“Further review of the political situation in Osun State revealed more facts, including the tireless efforts of the security agencies. The bloodshed of today infuriated me so much that I heaped all the blame on the Commissioner of Police,” Davido wrote.
Expressing regret for his initial stance, the award-winning musician recognized that the security forces had been working behind the scenes to prevent further escalation. He admitted that his earlier outburst was based on incomplete information and failed to appreciate the sacrifices made by the police.
“The needless killings angered me so deeply that I believed they should have been prevented. Yet, I now see that the security agencies, led by the Commissioner of Police, put in their best and deserve commendation,” he added.
Davido extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crisis and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore order in the state.
“In memory of the dead and injured, I urge security agencies to redouble their efforts to maintain peace. The rule of law must prevail,” he emphasized.
With the Osun local government elections set for February 22, the singer called for unity and peaceful conduct, stressing that achieving a credible election would be a significant victory for both the people and the security operatives working to stabilize the region.
As the political tension unfolds, Davido’s retraction highlights the volatile nature of the crisis and underscores the importance of verified information before public figures make pronouncements that could further inflame already sensitive situations.
