‘Emotions overwhelmed me,’ Davido retracts criticism, praises Osun CP amid LG crisis

In a turn of events, popular Nigerian musician, David Adeleke, aka Davido, has issued a public statement acknowledging the efforts of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, and other security agencies following a series of violent clashes in the state.

The singer had earlier criticised the state’s police chief, accusing him of failing to uphold the rule of law during a politically charged crisis.

The violence was reportedly sparked by the attempts of sacked local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress, to reclaim their positions despite court rulings ousting them from office.

Davido, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, called out the commissioner, expressing his anger and frustration at what he perceived as the police’s inaction.

In a statement released on Monday night, Davido’s stance softened as the singer reflected on the situation and admitted that his earlier assessment of the CP was a grave oversight.

He wrote, “Further review of political development in Osun State revealed more facts which include several genuine efforts of the state security agencies including the state Commissioner of Police. The bloodshed of today infuriated me so much that I heaped all the blame on the Commissioner of Police.”

Davido acknowledged that the CP, along with other security commanders, had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent further escalation.

He continued, “I now see that the issue is more than that of the Commissioner of Police or other security chiefs. The needless killings of today angered me so deeply that I thought such should have been nipped in the bud. Yet, I can see that the security agencies led by the Commissioner of Police put in their best and deserve commendation.

“In memories of the innocent souls lost, human emotions overwhelmed me and many of my friends around.

“We did not know the Commissioner of Police had been having sleepless nights alongside other commanders. At this point, the contributions of the police commissioner were not fully appreciated by me. This is a grave oversight and I want to declare that his support for the rule of law and protection of peace in Osun State is hereby acknowledged and appreciated.”

In his statement, the singer offered condolences to the families of the victims of the violence and urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to maintain peace and ensure that the rule of law prevails.

“In memory of the dead and the injured, I urge the security agencies including the Commissioner of Police to redouble their efforts to sustain peace. We must allow the rule of law to prevail,” he wrote.

Davido also emphasised the need for peaceful conduct, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful process as Osun prepares for the local government elections on Saturday.

“We must also work to ensure that the local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd is held peacefully. Achieving this will be a crowning glory not just for politicians but for security chiefs including the Osun State Commissioner of Police.

“I wish the Commissioner of Police and other security commanders the best of luck as they address challenges of the moment,” he concluded.