Veteran Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem has publicly expressed his admiration for the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, following a personal assessment of the state’s progress. In footage currently gaining traction online, the rapper is seen touring various project sites alongside the Governor, where he was briefed on the administration’s recent achievements.
During the visit, Abdulkareem explained that he felt it was necessary to travel to Edo to verify for himself if the reports of development were genuine. After seeing the projects firsthand, he admitted to being impressed by the level of work executed so far. The rapper urged Edo indigenes living in the diaspora to return home and witness the changes, noting that staying away often makes it difficult to understand the reality of things on the ground.
Despite the musician’s positive review, his comments have sparked a wave of backlash from the online community. Many social media users were quick to dismiss his praise, with some suggesting that the veteran rapper may have been financially influenced or was seeking political favors. Speculations also emerged that his public support could be tied to personal interests, such as the reopening of a local event center.
The political climate in Edo remains deeply polarized, as other high-profile figures have previously taken a much harder stance against the current administration. For instance, Israel DMW recently made headlines by calling for the Governor’s resignation, citing a lack of peace and transparency in the state. Similarly, actress Mercy Johnson faced intense criticism during the election cycle for her active campaign efforts on behalf of the Governor.
The tension further expanded when music star Davido got involved, openly criticizing the conduct of the electoral body and urging citizens to remain vigilant during the polls. Davido mentioned his mother’s Edo roots as his motivation for speaking out, a claim that was later challenged by singer Cynthia Morgan. Morgan, a native of the state, accused Davido of being disconnected from the actual everyday struggles of the Edo people and questioned his familiarity with his maternal heritage.
As Eedris Abdulkareem continues to vouch for the Governor’s performance, the mixed reactions highlight the ongoing debate over the role of celebrities in local politics. While Abdulkareem remains optimistic about what the next two years will bring for the state, many observers remain skeptical, viewing such public endorsements with a high degree of caution.
