Afrobeats superstar Davido has addressed criticism surrounding his recent comments on insecurity and injustice in Nigeria, insisting that his friendship with Seyi Tinubu does not prevent him from speaking honestly about the country’s challenges.
The singer found himself at the centre of a heated online debate after sharing a candid message on X, expressing frustration with the state of the nation and calling out entertainers, including himself, for not doing enough to address pressing national issues.
“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,” Davido wrote.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing praise from some Nigerians who commended the singer for using his platform to address issues affecting ordinary citizens.
However, others questioned his motives, citing his perceived ties to members of the country’s political elite.
One social media user, identified as #princessluna237, accused the singer of being insincere and suggested that his comments were merely performative.
The user alleged that Davido belonged to a so-called “City Boys” political circle and was too close to Seyi Tinubu to genuinely criticise the government.
The criticism prompted a direct response from the award-winning artist.
Davido firmly denied being part of any political group and rejected suggestions that his relationship with Seyi Tinubu influences his views on national matters.
“I no dey part of any city boy group,” he replied.
The singer also reminded critics that he has previously faced backlash for openly discussing Nigeria’s challenges on international platforms.
“When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me,” he added.
Davido’s comments appear to reference past interviews in which he spoke about economic and governance issues in Nigeria, remarks that generated significant reactions both at home and abroad.
Seeking to clarify his position further, the singer acknowledged his friendship with Seyi Tinubu but stressed that their relationship does not extend into politics.
According to him, the friendship predates recent political controversies and has never stopped him from raising concerns when necessary.
“I’ve been friends with ST for years and that’s where it stops,” he wrote.
The singer went on to reveal that he regularly communicates his concerns directly to Seyi.
“And I call and complain to him all the time, even in person,” he added.
The exchange has reignited conversations about the role of celebrities in national discourse and whether personal relationships with political figures should affect public expectations of activism.
In recent weeks, a growing number of entertainers, actors, influencers, and public figures have faced calls from Nigerians to speak out more forcefully about issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and governance.
Davido’s remarks also come amid a broader debate about celebrity responsibility, following similar appeals from fellow artists urging influential personalities to use their platforms to draw attention to national challenges.
For many of his supporters, the singer’s willingness to address criticism directly reinforces his claim that personal friendships should not be mistaken for political allegiance.
Whether his explanation satisfies critics remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Davido is pushing back against the notion that proximity to power automatically means silence.
His message was straightforward: friendship and accountability are not mutually exclusive, and raising concerns about Nigeria’s problems should not be viewed through a purely political lens.
