In a change of stance, Nigerian musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly acknowledged the efforts of Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, and other security agencies in managing the recent political violence in the state.
Davido had earlier criticized the police chief, accusing him of failing to uphold the rule of law amid violent clashes triggered by attempts of sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen to reclaim their positions despite court rulings against them.
Expressing his anger via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the singer condemned the commissioner’s handling of the crisis. However, in a statement released Monday night, Davido admitted that his initial assessment was an oversight, recognizing the security agencies’ efforts to prevent further escalation.
“Further review of political developments in Osun State revealed more facts, including several genuine efforts of the state security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police,” he wrote. “The bloodshed of today infuriated me so much that I heaped all the blame on the Commissioner of Police.”
Acknowledging their tireless work, he added, “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 deeply, and 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.”
Davido also extended condolences to the families of the victims and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to maintain peace.
“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.
As Osun prepares for local government elections on Saturday, Davido emphasized the need for a peaceful process.
“We must ensure that the local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 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 the challenges of the moment,” he concluded.
