Ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has expressed surprise by the insult directed at him by popular singer, Davido.
Naijaonpoint reports that the controversy between the duo began after Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles wearing a custom 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 criticised the move, arguing that using a global platform to draw attention to terrorist activities could inadvertently aid the perpetrators.
Davido had subsequently shared a video of Omokri during an interview on Instagram and captioned it, “UMU BINGO @renoomokri fowl.”
Reacting in a statement posted on his social media page on Tuesday and addressed to Davido, Omokri expressed surprise at what he described as the “vulgar” language used against him, saying such conduct was unbecoming of an international celebrity.
“Thank you for your feedback. I was rather surprised by your response to my post, setting the record straight on Peter Obi’s false allegations against His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, regarding the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Most shocking is your insult.
“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,” Omokri wrote.
Omokri said he understood that Davido’s intentions were noble but insisted that publicising kidnappings on a global stage could have unintended consequences.
He wrote, “I am aware that you were upset at my appeal to you not to use an international platform, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to give publicity to bandits and terrorists.
“While your intention may be good and you think you are pressuring the government, the actual effect of what you did is to give publicity to the terrorists and help them spread fear, recruit new members, and raise funds.”
Omokri contrasted Davido’s actions with those of American streamer IShowSpeed, who attended the same event wearing a Nigerian jersey and speaking positively about the country.
“How can you, a Nigerian citizen with a global platform, go on a global stage to give publicity to terrorists and de-market Nigeria, meanwhile, at that same event, and on that same day, IShowSpeed, an American citizen, used his celebrity and the global stage of the World Cup to market Nigeria?” he asked.
The former presidential aide also cited the October 7, 2023, abductions in Israel and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, arguing that extensive publicity can complicate rescue efforts and embolden terrorist groups.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Omokri said, “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” adding that this informed his criticism of Davido’s campaign.
He concluded by expressing hope that the singer would better understand his perspective, saying, “Thanks again, and may God bless you.”
