Ignore calls for apology, Soyinka tells Davido

A 45-second snippet from Davido’s latest video, which was uploaded on Instagram last Friday, has stirred up controversy and faced criticism. Numerous Muslim devotees have expressed their disapproval, finding the video offensive, and are now insisting on its retraction while even considering legal action against the artists involved.

The contentious scene in question portrays men dressed as praying mallams engaging in a dance in front of a mosque, rather than praying. This depiction has been perceived as disrespectful and hurtful by some Muslim devotees.

Although the video was removed from the platform within 48 hours of being posted, certain members of the Muslim community continue to demand a public apology from Davido.

However, in contrast, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed the opinion that Davido does not owe Muslims an apology. Soyinka pointed out that former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai, had previously made offensive remarks against Christians, yet he was not asked to tender an apology.

It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, as both supporters and critics of Davido’s video continue to engage in debates regarding artistic freedom and religious sensitivities.

The Literary icon said former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai had made offensive comments against Christians in the past but was never asked to tender an apology.

He said, “There was nothing to apologize about, and that applied equally to El Rufai’s comments at the time. It should come as no surprise that I equally absolutely disagree with Shehu Sani if indeed, as reported, he has demanded an apology from Davido on behalf of the Moslem community.”

“It wasn’t Davido’s music that lynched Deborah Yakubu, a second-year Christian college student who was killed by a mob of Muslim students in Sokoto last year over alleged blasphemy,” he added.