Davido Rejects “City Boy” Label, Speaks On Seyi Tinubu Friendship

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has dismissed claims linking him to a so-called “City Boy” group, while defending his friendship with Seyi Tinubu amid renewed criticism over his political comments.

The singer came under scrutiny following a post on X in which he admitted that Nigerian entertainers, including himself, had not done enough to speak out on insecurity, injustice and governance challenges in the country.

“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,” he wrote.

The post triggered mixed reactions online, with some users questioning his credibility and alleging hypocrisy due to his perceived closeness to the family of President Bola Tinubu.

One user, identified as #princessluna237, accused the singer of being too close to Seyi Tinubu to genuinely criticise the government, further alleging that Davido belonged to a “City Boy” group chat and suggesting his comments were performative.

Responding to the allegation, Davido firmly denied any affiliation with political groups.

“I no dey part of any city boy group,” he wrote.

He also referenced past criticism he received for speaking about Nigeria’s challenges in international media interviews, saying his stance had previously attracted backlash.

“When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me,” he said.

Addressing concerns about his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, Davido maintained that their friendship is strictly personal and does not influence his public opinions on national issues.

According to him, he has known Seyi Tinubu for several years and regularly expresses his concerns about governance directly to him.

“I’ve been friends with ST for years and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person,” he wrote.

Despite the controversy, Davido reiterated his position that entertainers must speak more openly on national issues, insisting that public figures have a responsibility to engage with the country’s challenges.