The Edo State Government has shut down an event centre in the state, Mega Hub, following a party where Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu during a live performance.
The incident reportedly happened on April 3 during an event tagged “Mega Rave: A Night With The Legends,” which hosted several entertainers. During his performance, Abdulkareem briefly paused to speak on national issues, strongly criticising the Tinubu administration and blaming it for Nigeria’s economic hardship.
A video of the moment later circulated widely on social media, showing the rapper also referencing recent killings in Plateau State and accusing the government of poor response to insecurity. He further described the administration in harsh terms and expressed frustration over the country’s situation.
Government action
Days after the event, officials of the Edo State Government reportedly sealed the Mega Hub facility. The closure sparked public debate after images emerged online showing the entrance barricaded with red tape and an inscription indicating it was sealed by the state government.
However, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, later stated that the action was based on security intelligence and not linked to the rapper’s comments about the president. He initially denied knowledge of the sealing but later confirmed it had been carried out.
Afegbua also claimed the facility had since been reopened, though he did not provide details on when it was unsealed.
Political context
The development comes amid heightened political tension in the state, where Governor Monday Okpebholo—a member of the All Progressives Congress—has repeatedly expressed support for President Tinubu ahead of future elections.
The event has since triggered debate over freedom of expression, government authority, and political sensitivity in the state.
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