David Ochayi
(Davido. Photo by Premuim Times)
Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has urged Hausa music icon Dauda Rarara to break his silence on Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, emphasizing that neutrality and political affiliations only worsen the crisis.
The tension arose after Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on June 10, where he sported a custom jacket emblazoned with “Bring Them Home,” featuring the names of more than 40 abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area.
In a viral social media clip, Rarara condemned Davido’s act as reckless, claiming it undermined Nigeria’s global reputation and accusing him of exploiting a security crisis for political gain.
Rarara questioned why Davido would highlight such a sensitive issue—including references to Ansaru militants—on an international platform, arguing it served no constructive purpose.
He criticized Davido for displaying the names of kidnapped children on the Nigerian flag in America, insinuating hidden political motives behind the stunt.
Rarara further alleged that Davido’s actions might be tied to his family’s political ambitions, citing his uncle’s candidacy under the Accord Party while President Tinubu leads the APC. He dismissed those weaponizing insecurity as naive about its complexities.
He likened Davido’s move to airing private grievances publicly before seeking resolution, stressing that such issues demand discretion and deeper context.
Rarara claimed the abductions followed the arrest of suspected militants, with kidnappers targeting civilians to pressure authorities. He noted ongoing government efforts to secure the children’s release without negotiating with terrorists.
He warned that Davido’s intervention risked disrupting delicate negotiations, adding that some nations handle security matters with strict confidentiality to avoid emboldening criminals.
Davido responded sarcastically on social media, mocking Rarara’s remarks. Rarara retaliated with a dismissive Hausa phrase, prompting Davido to clap back in the same language, implying Rarara lacked credibility.
In a later statement, Davido urged Nigerians to speak out against insecurity without fear, rejecting political bias as a barrier to truth. He called for unity and divine guidance in addressing national crises, stressing that collective welfare must outweigh partisan interests.
