A heated political confrontation in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn as internationally acclaimed music star Davido publicly challenged the State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, over his handling of an ongoing local government leadership crisis. The artist’s fierce intervention comes amid violent clashes at local government secretariats across the state.
The controversy stems from attempts by recently sacked Local Government chairmen, originally elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), to forcefully reclaim their positions despite standing court orders terminating their tenure. Monday morning saw various local government secretariats transform into scenes of conflict, with gunfire erupting as the former officials and their supporters attempted to access the buildings, meeting resistance from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle and the state’s current chief executive, had previously addressed the situation through a press conference, calling on President Tinubu to restrain his nephew and Minister Gboyega Odetola from instigating unrest by directing security forces to facilitate the return of the dismissed chairmen. Adeleke emphasized the importance of following proper legal channels, noting that aggrieved parties have the option to challenge decisions through appellate courts.
Osun state commissioner !!! Let’s all be mad pic.twitter.com/DIk3se3uD1
— Davido (@davido) February 17, 2025
Davido’s intervention, characterized by strong language and direct threats, reflected the artist’s deep frustration with what he perceives as law enforcement’s mishandling of the situation. In a series of provocative posts on his Twitter platform, the music star warned the police commissioner to respect legal procedures, suggesting a willingness to escalate the confrontation if necessary.
The artist’s involvement in Osun State politics isn’t unexpected, given his consistent and vocal support for his uncle’s political career. Throughout Governor Adeleke’s campaign and subsequent victory, Davido has remained a prominent advocate, regularly promoting his uncle’s achievements and participating in state events. His influence extends beyond mere familial support, as demonstrated by his previous engagement in electoral matters, including his outspoken criticism of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Edo State elections.
The current crisis highlights the complex intersection of political power, law enforcement, and celebrity influence in Nigerian governance. As one of Africa’s most prominent musicians, Davido’s public confrontation with the police commissioner has elevated what might have remained a local political dispute into a national conversation about law enforcement’s role in political transitions and the proper execution of court orders.
Political analysts suggest that this situation reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly regarding the enforcement of judicial decisions and the role of security forces in managing political transitions. The confrontation also underscores the increasingly significant role of social media in Nigerian political discourse, with public figures like Davido wielding considerable influence through their online platforms.
The artist’s previous experience with political activism, particularly during the 2022 Osun gubernatorial election, appears to have informed his current aggressive stance. His reference to the upcoming 2026 election suggests a long-term commitment to political engagement in his home state, potentially signaling continued involvement in future political developments.
The situation remains volatile as both sides maintain their positions. The dismissed local government chairmen argue for their right to complete their mandated terms, while the current administration insists on adherence to court rulings. The police commissioner’s response to Davido’s public challenge could prove crucial in determining how this crisis unfolds.
As tensions continue to mount, stakeholders across Nigeria watch closely to see how this confrontation between celebrity influence, political power, and law enforcement authority will resolve. The outcome could set important precedents for handling similar political transitions and the enforcement of judicial decisions in other Nigerian states.
