Osun Guber: Davido Holds Press Conference, Urges Peaceful Choice of Candidate as Uncle Adeleke Battles EFCC

By Emmanuel Kwada

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to residents of Osun State to remain peaceful and freely exercise their democratic rights ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at Imole House in Osogbo, the singer urged voters to reject violence, intimidation and political provocation, insisting that every eligible citizen should be allowed to vote without fear.

The event came amid heightened political tension following the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a move that has sparked controversy between the commission and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

Davido, whose uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, praised the governor’s performance in office, describing him as “one of the best, if not the best, governor to ever govern Osun State.”

“I understand the tension and emotions surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” he said.

He called on residents to shun violence and intimidation, stressing that no political ambition should come at the expense of human lives.

“Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected,” Davido stated.

In a notable part of his address, the music star made a respectful appeal to an unnamed political figure whom he referred to as “our daddy from Imo State.”

Davido said he had heard speculation about possible attempts to interfere in the Osun governorship election but clarified that he was not presenting the claims as established facts.

“And to our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect, sir. I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidates freely.”

He noted that his appeal was also personal because of his family ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma.

“We have mutual connections and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful.”

Davido further encouraged residents to protect the state’s long-standing reputation for peaceful elections.

In a message shared after the conference, he wrote: “A message from my heart to the people of Osun. Stay peaceful. Stay united. Come out, vote freely and never allow anyone to intimidate you. Osun belongs to all of us.” He concluded with the campaign slogan “4+4.”

EFCC, Osun Government in Fresh Dispute

Earlier on Wednesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke disclosed that the state government had received a notification from its banker indicating that the EFCC had placed a post-no-debit restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account.

The governor described the action as unlawful, arguing that it was carried out without a court order and was capable of disrupting government operations barely days before the election.

He challenged EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to publicly justify the decision and directed the state’s Attorney-General to challenge the directive at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

The EFCC subsequently confirmed the restriction, explaining that it was part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of approximately ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.

According to the commission, the post-no-debit order was imposed after investigators observed what it described as suspicious transfers to corporate entities and other accounts beginning on August 2.

It maintained that the action was a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding public funds and was unrelated to the forthcoming governorship election.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with political campaigns intensifying across the state.

Davido has remained one of the prominent public figures actively mobilising support for Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid while repeatedly calling for a peaceful and credible electoral process.