Edo Government Reopens Venue Shut After Rapper's Controversial Tinubu Remarks
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has confirmed that the Edo State government has reopened the Mega Hall event center in Benin City, which was previously shut down following his scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu. The development comes after the musician appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo, but has now triggered widespread online backlash with many Nigerians accusing Abdulkareem of political backtracking.
The Controversial Performance and Immediate Fallout
During a performance at Mega Hall weeks earlier, Eedris Abdulkareem did not mince words when addressing the crowd. The rapper explicitly declared President Bola Tinubu as "the worst president" Nigeria has ever had, adding a pointed remark that anyone supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should experience Nigeria's current challenges firsthand.
This controversial statement came as a direct response to President Tinubu's handling of the Jos attacks, particularly his decision to address survivors at the airport rather than visiting affected communities directly. The president had cited a power outage that would have grounded his aircraft as justification for not making the community visit.
Days following Abdulkareem's performance, the Mega Hall venue was unexpectedly shut down by Edo State authorities. While no official reason was immediately provided for the closure, the timing strongly suggested a connection to the rapper's inflammatory comments about the nation's leader.
Governor's Intervention and Reopening Arrangement
In a video circulating on social media dated April 16, 2026, Eedris Abdulkareem revealed that he personally approached Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the matter. The rapper explained his position by asking rhetorically, "If they close your friend's business because of you, abeg tell me wetin you go do?"
According to Abdulkareem's account, Governor Okpebholo agreed to reopen the venue but requested that the musician tour ongoing development projects across Edo State as part of their arrangement. The rapper confirmed he complied with this request and promised to share his observations from the tour with Nigerians in the near future.
Governor Okpebholo is widely recognized as one of President Tinubu's most vocal allies in the South-South region. Just last month, the governor made headlines when he pledged 2.5 million votes to the president ahead of the 2027 elections during a Benin City rally, declaring Edo State "firmly in the grips of the APC."
Widespread Online Backlash and Accusations
The rapper's revelation about the venue reopening and his collaboration with the Edo State government has sparked intense criticism across Nigerian social media platforms. Many commentators have accused Abdulkareem of compromising his previously critical stance for political accommodation.
In his video statement, Abdulkareem anticipated this backlash, stating "It is not my fault" while acknowledging that some Edo residents already suspect he is being used to promote the governor's public image. These suspicions have now gained significant traction online, with numerous Nigerians expressing disappointment at what they perceive as the rapper's reversal.
Social media reactions have been particularly harsh, with users suggesting that:
- Even the most vocal activists have a price when dealing with government authorities
- The episode confirms long-standing criticisms about activist integrity in Nigerian politics
- Abdulkareem's actions represent a form of political co-optation by the establishment
The controversy highlights the complex dynamics between celebrity activism, political criticism, and government response in Nigeria's current political climate. As Eedris Abdulkareem prepares to share footage from his tour of Edo State projects, public perception may further crystallize around whether this represents genuine engagement or political compromise.
