Afrobeats superstar Davido has addressed criticism surrounding his recent comments on insecurity, injustice, and governance in Nigeria, insisting that his friendship with Seyi Tinubu does not prevent him from speaking out on issues affecting the country.
The singer found himself at the center of a heated social media debate after expressing frustration over what he described as worsening conditions in Nigeria and the perceived silence of public figures, including entertainers, on national issues.
In a post shared on X, Davido admitted that members of the entertainment industry, himself included, had not done enough to lend their voices to the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
"I can't lie, we entertainers… we dey fuck up, I won't lie, including me. We need to speak up. It's too much injustice going on. Our country don go."
The statement quickly gained attention online, drawing support from some Nigerians who applauded the singer for acknowledging the role celebrities can play in shaping public discourse. However, others questioned the sincerity of his remarks, citing his perceived relationship with members of the country's political elite.
Social Media Criticism Sparks Response
Among the critics was an X user identified as #princessluna237, who accused the singer of being disingenuous and suggested that his association with individuals connected to the current administration undermined his criticism of the country's situation.
The user alleged that Davido belonged to a "City Boys" group and accused him of engaging in what she described as performative activism.
In a strongly worded response, the user wrote:
"Na God go punish you and your family. Go and do that performative rubbish in your City Boys group chat and get tf out of my face with all this pretentious nonsense. Na foolish Nigerians I blame."
The comment became one of several reactions questioning whether celebrities with connections to influential political figures could genuinely criticize government policies and national conditions.
"I No Dey Part of Any City Boy Group"
Responding directly to the accusation, Davido firmly denied any involvement in political groups or affiliations linked to the "City Boys" label.
"I no dey part of any city boy group."
The award-winning singer maintained that his opinions on national issues are independent and should not be judged solely on the basis of personal relationships.
He also reminded critics that he had previously faced backlash when he openly discussed Nigeria's challenges during interviews with international media outlets.
"When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me."
The comment appeared to reference previous controversies in which some Nigerians criticized him for discussing the country's economic and social problems on foreign platforms.
Friendship Does Not Equal Political Alignment
Addressing concerns about his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, Davido acknowledged that the two have been friends for many years but stressed that their friendship does not influence his willingness to express dissatisfaction with issues affecting the country.
According to the singer, he regularly shares his concerns directly with Seyi Tinubu whenever the need arises.
"I've been friends with ST for years and that's where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person."
His remarks suggest that he sees personal relationships and civic responsibility as separate matters, arguing that friendship should not be interpreted as unconditional political support.
Celebrities and Public Advocacy
The exchange has reignited conversations about the role of entertainers in national discourse and whether public figures should be more vocal about governance, insecurity, economic hardship, and social justice issues.
In recent years, Nigerian celebrities have increasingly come under pressure from fans and civil society groups to use their influence to advocate for change, particularly during periods of economic difficulty and political tension.
Davido's latest comments reflect that ongoing debate, as many Nigerians continue to expect prominent voices in entertainment, sports, and business to engage more actively with issues affecting everyday citizens.
While opinions remain divided over his stance, the singer's response makes one thing clear: he believes personal friendships should not prevent him from speaking out when he feels the country is facing serious challenges.
The conversation has once again highlighted the complex relationship between celebrity influence, political perceptions, and public expectations in Nigeria's increasingly vocal digital space.