Nigerian music superstar Davido Adeleke recently found himself involved in a heated online exchange with Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, following the aide’s public praise of Wizkid, who happens to be one of Davido’s longstanding music rivals. The interaction has since attracted considerable attention on social media, reigniting debates about the ongoing friendly rivalry between the two Afrobeats icons.
Governor’s Aide Publicly Praises Wizkid
The saga began when Gawat shared a promotional poster for Wizkid’s upcoming concert scheduled for December 28 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos. In his accompanying caption, he expressed his admiration for the singer, writing “Ọmọ wa ni” (“Our child”), a statement meant to convey pride and support for Wizkid’s achievements and his contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
The post quickly garnered attention from fans who began sharing their own opinions and reactions in the comments section. Many praised Wizkid, highlighting his role as a cultural ambassador for Lagos State and a symbol of Nigerian musical excellence. One fan commented, “Wizkid is the face of Lagos. Baba Bolu always promotes Lagos,” to which Gawat responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes correct. We are proud of him.”
Fans Engage and Bring Up Davido
As the conversation unfolded, fans naturally brought Davido into the discussion, often referring to him as “Ore Oga” (“Friend of the Boss”), in a playful nod to the ongoing debate about which artist represents Lagos more prominently. When a fan asked, “Ore oga nko?”—a direct reference to Davido—Gawat responded diplomatically, saying, “My Oga is proud of him,” seemingly attempting to diffuse any tension and maintain neutrality between the two stars.
Davido Responds Directly
Not entirely satisfied with the discussion and perhaps feeling the need to assert his own stance, Davido replied directly to Gawat’s comments on social media. He wrote: “Bro, it’s been a year, let it go… why is it still doing you… grow up.” In his response, Davido referenced a previous tweet from the aide in which Gawat had said, “Ọrẹ Ọga wa ni,” further adding: “Since yesterday… let it go nah… cheer up.” This response underlined Davido’s desire to move past the rivalry narrative and encourage a more positive focus on the music rather than social media debates.
The exchange, while brief, has sparked widespread discussion online, with fans taking sides and debating the merits and achievements of both Afrobeats superstars. Social media platforms have since seen a flurry of reactions, memes, and commentary, with many users expressing excitement over the lighthearted yet competitive dynamic between Davido and Wizkid. Some praised Davido for responding with composure, while others suggested that such interactions should remain private and away from public scrutiny.
Social Media Reactions and Public Opinion
The conversation highlighted the influence of social media in shaping public perception of celebrity relationships and rivalries in the entertainment industry. Fans expressed mixed feelings; while some applauded the professionalism and maturity shown in the interaction, others speculated about the underlying tensions between the artists. Despite differing opinions, the exchange reaffirmed both Wizkid’s and Davido’s significant cultural impact and their ongoing relevance in the Afrobeats scene.
See the images and screenshots below capturing the interaction between Davido and Jubril Gawat, along with fans’ reactions;
