Afrobeats superstar Davido has dismissed reports of an attack on the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, clarifying that the incident reported near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo was unrelated to the governor’s entourage. The confusion arose after media outlets claimed hoodlums opened fire on security personnel accompanying Adeleke during his visit to the palace of Oba Jimoh Oyetunji on Wednesday. This visit came shortly after the governor received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the official confirmation of his victory in the 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election.
Davido took to his verified X account later that evening to address the false narrative. In a direct tweet, he stated, “Lies! It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us. The people love his excellency.” His statement aimed to correct misinformation circulating online and reassure the public that there was no threat to the governor or his team during the celebratory visit. The singer emphasized that the incident occurred outside the palace premises and did not involve any members of the governor’s convoy.
The governor’s win was confirmed by INEC following the election held earlier in the year. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 444,815 votes. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came in third with 17,180 votes. The result solidified Adeleke’s position as the elected governor, and his visit to the traditional ruler was seen as a gesture of respect and cultural acknowledgment.
The palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo is a significant landmark in the state, often visited by political leaders for blessings and formal recognition. The visit by Governor Adeleke was widely covered by local media, which may have contributed to the misreporting of the altercation. Despite the brief chaos reported outside, no injuries were confirmed, and law enforcement officials maintained order without major escalation.
Davido’s intervention highlights the role celebrities play in correcting public narratives, especially in politically sensitive moments. His swift response helped prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation from spreading across social media platforms. As the new administration prepares to take full charge, clarity and transparency remain essential in maintaining public trust.
Looking ahead, the clarification from Davido underscores the importance of verifying information before dissemination, particularly in high-profile political events. The incident serves as a reminder that accurate reporting is crucial in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
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