Israel DMW, a prominent aide to music star Davido and a vocal figure on social media, has ignited a heated debate after calling for the resignation of Edo State Governor Okpebholo. In an Instagram post that quickly gained traction, Israel expressed his dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership, accusing him of fostering unrest and corruption in the state. He urged Okpebholo to step down and hand over power to Asue Ighodalo, whom he claims was the rightful choice of the majority of Edo elites during the election.
The post, written in a tone blending sarcasm and urgency, painted a grim picture of governance under Okpebholo. Israel argued that since taking office, the governor has failed to bring peace or stability to Edo State. He went further to invoke spiritual rhetoric, stating that “the ANCESTORS are fully angry” over what he described as blatant electoral fraud and mismanagement. His words reflected frustration not only with the current administration but also with the broader issues plaguing Nigerian politics.
“Edo 2024. My dear Governor Okpebholo. I want to specially beg and advise that you resign and immediately hand over to Asue Ighodalo, who the majority of we elites truly voted as our governor, sir,” Israel wrote. “The entire state has not had one single peace since you took over, sir. The ANCESTORS are fully angry with the pure robbery that took place. Some Heads are too very strong to be cheated. Some robberies sometimes don’t get successful.”
He concluded by drawing parallels between Okpebholo’s tenure and historical injustices like the annulment of the June 12 elections in Nigeria. “We know you have connections to cover everything, sir. We know the real truth of what transpired would come out many years later, like June 12, sir. Thank you, sir.” This reference to Nigeria’s tumultuous political history added weight to his critique, suggesting that time will eventually expose perceived wrongdoings.
Israel’s bold call for resignation has sparked mixed reactions online, reflecting the polarized opinions surrounding governance in Edo State. While some supported his stance, others questioned the timing and tone of his message. One user, Timeless_shopng, succinctly captured widespread discontent, writing, “Very clueless governor.” Another commenter, Nzubechii, raised concerns about potential repercussions, stating, “I don’t think Davido would be happy with this at all.” Such remarks highlight the risks individuals face when speaking out against powerful figures in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Other reactions leaned toward humor and skepticism. Niger_delta_pageant simply responded, “Love it,” while Uvoviventerprise joked, “Make dem no arrest u o, Israel.” These comments underscore the precarious balance between activism and self-preservation in a country where dissent can sometimes lead to legal consequences. Meanwhile, Ugegbe_e poked fun at Israel’s style, saying, “Nawa o, Israel is ekuke forming like English dig,” referring to his use of exaggerated language.
More serious critiques emerged from users like Vickie Remedy, who dismissed Israel’s post as reckless, calling him “very anyhow, man.” Others, however, agreed with his sentiments. Merccy_ay affirmed, “No lies,” while Heavenly_seed concisely stated, “I seconded.” Sis_miracle injected a touch of humor into her agreement, quipping, “Make Tinubu comot first,” referencing ongoing national debates about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Justmodupe_ added a lighthearted observation, noting, “On Eid day and Israel of the Israelites dey give predictions. Social media madness.”
Despite the varied responses, Israel’s post has succeeded in amplifying conversations about accountability and transparency in governance. By directly addressing Governor Okpebholo, he has drawn attention to grievances that many Edo residents may share but hesitate to voice publicly. His invocation of ancestral anger and historical injustices resonates deeply within a cultural context where spirituality and morality often intersect with politics.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s statement also sheds light on the role of public figures and their aides in shaping discourse around governance. As an aide to Davido—a globally recognized artist—Israel occupies a unique position of influence. While his post may not directly impact policy decisions, it contributes to the growing chorus of voices demanding better leadership across Nigeria. It also raises questions about whether celebrities and their teams should wade into political matters, given the potential backlash they might face.
For Governor Okpebholo, the criticism serves as yet another reminder of the challenges facing leaders in Nigeria’s complex socio-political environment. Accusations of electoral fraud and poor governance are not uncommon in the country, where trust in institutions remains fragile. If unresolved, these allegations could further erode public confidence and fuel unrest among citizens already grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
As the debate unfolds, Israel DMM’s call for resignation underscores the importance of dialogue and accountability in addressing systemic issues. Whether viewed as a courageous act of civic engagement or an ill-timed provocation, his message highlights the need for leaders to listen to their constituents and prioritize their welfare above all else.
To Governor Okpebholo and other Nigerian leaders, the takeaway is clear: governance is not just about wielding power but about earning—and maintaining—the trust of the people. For Israel DMW and others like him, speaking truth to power comes with risks, but it also offers an opportunity to spark meaningful change. As Edo State navigates its current challenges, one thing is certain—the voices of its citizens, amplified through platforms like social media, will continue to shape its future.
