The Edo State Government has denied reports that it banned Afrobeats star David “Davido” Adeleke from entering or performing in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, denied the reports in a statement on Friday after Kassy Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said Davido should not expect to perform in the state for the rest of the governor’s tenure.

In a Thursday video published on YouTube by Peniel TV International, Benin City, Chukwu went further, saying Davido should be beaten if he were seen in the state. His comments further heightened the dispute between the singer and the governor.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Davido, speaking during an interview on News Central TV, rejected calls for him to apologise for his remarks about Mr Okpebholo.

The singer made the comments after Mr Okpebholo criticised Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, during the build-up to the 15 August governorship election.