Ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has responded to Afrobeats star Davido after the singer publicly criticised him over comments relating to advocacy for abducted schoolchildren during a FIFA World Cup countdown concert.
In a statement shared on his social media page on Tuesday and addressed directly to the award-winning artiste, Omokri said he was surprised by Davido’s reaction and described the language used against him as inappropriate for a global figure.
According to Omokri, he had initially made his comments to challenge what he called false claims regarding President Bola Tinubu and the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia.
“Thank you for your feedback. I was rather surprised by your response to my post,” Omokri wrote.
He added, “You are an international celebrity whom Nigeria is proud of. Coming to insult me on my Instagram profile with such vulgar words should be beneath you.”
The exchange followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, where he performed wearing a customised jacket bearing the names of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State in May, alongside the message: ‘Bring Them Home.’
Omokri had earlier criticised the gesture, arguing that drawing global attention to terrorist activities could unintentionally serve the interests of those behind the attacks.
On Tuesday, Davido appeared to respond by posting a video of Omokri on Instagram with a caption that mocked the former presidential aide.
Reacting to the post, Omokri acknowledged what he believed were good intentions behind Davido’s action but maintained that international platforms should not be used in ways that could amplify fear.
“I am aware that you were upset at my appeal not to use an international platform such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup to give publicity to bandits and terrorists,” he stated.
“While your intention may be good and you think you are pressuring the government, the actual effect may be to give publicity to terrorists, spread fear and indirectly strengthen their message.”
To support his argument, Omokri referenced examples including the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, suggesting that extensive publicity can sometimes complicate rescue efforts.
He also cited a quote commonly attributed to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.”
Omokri contrasted Davido’s approach with that of American content creator IShowSpeed, who attended the same event wearing a Nigerian jersey and speaking positively about the country.
Despite the disagreement, Omokri ended his message on a conciliatory note, expressing hope that Davido would eventually understand his position.
As of the time of filing this report, Davido and his representatives had not issued any further response.
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