Davido Distances Self from Controversial 'City Boy Movement'

Nigerian music star Davido has clarified his non-affiliation with the City Boy Movement, asserting his right to criticize the government despite his friendship with President Tinubu's son. His strong comments on escalating insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the Oyo State abductions, have been echoed by fellow artists Timaya, Ice Prince, and Rudeboy, intensifying calls for urgent government action to ensure citizen safety.

Pelumi Ilesanmi • Local • 1 month ago • 3 minute read •

Key Points

• Davido publicly distanced himself from the City Boy Movement, clarifying his friendship with Seyi Tinubu does not imply political affiliation.

• He expressed deep emotional distress over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and urged entertainers to speak up against injustice and insecurity.

• Other Nigerian music stars including Timaya, Rudeboy, and Ice Prince also condemned the abductions and called for urgent government action to address insecurity.

Davido Distances Self from Controversial 'City Boy Movement'

Nigerian music star David “Davido” Adeleke has publicly distanced himself from the City BoyMovement (CBM), a youth-driven support group established in 2022 to back President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign.

This clarification comes despite the prominent involvement of his best friend, Cubana Chief Priest (CP), who served as CBM’s Imo State Director and actively mobilized youths for Mr. Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, even pledging support for his re-election in interviews.

Davido’s statement was made on his X page after he was challenged by an X user, Princess Luna (@princessluna237), following his comments on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

On Saturday, Davido had expressed concern over what he described as the silence of entertainers on critical issues affecting Nigerians, particularly the escalating insecurity.

Luna, in response, quoted his tweet with harsh criticism, accusing him of “performative rubbish” and linking him to a “City Boys group chat.”

In a direct reply, the “Unavailable” crooner vehemently denied being a part of any City Boy group.

He clarified his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, stating, “I’ve been friends with ST (Seyi Tinubu) for years, and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person.”

He further highlighted a past instance where he called out the government on American media, facing curses from the public, and asserted his right to speak his mind regardless of his friendship with Seyi Tinubu.

Davido also expressed deep emotional distress regarding the abduction incident and the broader insecurity in Nigeria, describing the situation as a “mess” that left him “weak.”

He shared his heartbreak for the victims and their families, emphasizing, “I can’t lie, we entertainers, we f**kup, I won’t lie, including me.

We need to speak up; there’s too much injustice. Our country is gone.”

He affirmed his commitment to speaking from his heart and continuing to pray for Nigeria.

Beyond Davido, other prominent Nigerian singers also reacted strongly to the kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State.

Inetimi “Timaya” Odon, Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and Panshak “Ice Prince” Zamani, among others, took to their social media pages to urge the Mr. Tinubu-led administration and security agencies to intensify efforts for the victims’ release.

Several Nigerian celebrities reacted to the abductions and rising insecurity. Timaya called for urgent government action, stressing that every Nigerian deserves to live without fear and expressing support for affected families.

Ice Prince described the situation as unfair and urged authorities to improve security and work toward peace and justice.

Meanwhile, Rudeboy lamented the frequent kidnappings, warning that insecurity has become an alarming reality in the country.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the abduction of approximately 32 people from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all situated in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Tragically, one of the victims, a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the attackers.

Since the incident, the victims have remained in captivity, while numerous public figures, including singers and actors, have condemned the abductions and criticized the deteriorating security situation across the country under the current administration.

These latest remarks by Davido and others reflect a growing public debate over insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria, with citizens and influential figures increasingly using their platforms to demand accountability and action.