Afrobeats superstar Davido has publicly distanced himself from the City Boy Movement (CBM), a youth-driven political group that supported President Bola Tinubu’s successful 2023 election campaign, while also urging Nigerian entertainers to speak out against the country’s worsening insecurity.
The singer made the clarification on X after facing criticism over his reaction to the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. His comments have reignited conversations about the role of celebrities in addressing national issues and holding leaders accountable.
The controversy began after Davido expressed concern about the growing insecurity in Nigeria and criticized what he perceived as the silence of many entertainers on issues affecting ordinary citizens. However, an X user identified as Princess Luna accused him of being hypocritical because of his perceived association with the City Boy Movement.
Responding to the allegation, the award-winning singer firmly denied being a member of the political support group. He explained that his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, predates the formation of the movement.
“I am not part of any City Boy group,” Davido wrote. “When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me. I’ve been friends with ST (Seyi Tinubu) for years, and that’s where it stops. I call and complain to him all the time, even in person.”
Davido also spoke emotionally about the reported kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing the situation as heartbreaking. He said the incident left him deeply troubled and lamented the broader security challenges confronting the country.
“I’m weak, Nigeria. God, please take control. We can’t continue like this,” he wrote. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families. This is messed up. We entertainers have failed too, including me. We need to speak up. There’s too much injustice.”
His comments were echoed by several Nigerian music stars who also condemned the abduction and called for urgent action from the government and security agencies. Among them were Timaya, Rudeboy, and Ice Prince, who used their social media platforms to demand improved security and the safe return of the victims.
Timaya, in a statement titled “Every Nigerian Deserves to Come Home Safe,” urged authorities to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and insecurity. He stressed that no family should have to live in fear over the safety of their loved ones and called for stronger collaboration in addressing security threats across the country.
Ice Prince described the recurring abductions and rising insecurity as unacceptable, insisting that Nigerians deserve peace, justice, and a better future. Rudeboy also voiced frustration over the growing wave of kidnappings, warning that the situation has become so frequent that many citizens now treat it as normal.
The reactions followed reports that armed men abducted about 32 people, including pupils and teachers, from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. One of the victims, a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the attack, further intensifying public outrage over the country’s security crisis.
