BENIN-CITY: The Edo State Government has temporarily sealed an event centre in the state following a controversial performance by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, where he openly criticised President Bola Tinubu.
The facility, known as Mega Hub, which also operates as an eatery, hosted an April 3 event tagged Mega Rave: A Night with the Legends. Abdulkareem was among the headline performers.
During his set, Abdulkareem paused his music to deliver a blunt critique of the Tinubu administration. A video clip that has since gone viral shows the rapper mocking the President over his visit to Plateau State after the killing of about 30 residents in Jos North.
Tinubu had visited the state on April 2, arriving at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang—approximately 36 kilometres from the attack site—where he addressed political leaders, traditional rulers, and selected victims.
In his remarks, Abdulkareem questioned why the President did not visit the affected community directly despite the heavy security presence.
He went further to label Tinubu as worst president Nigeria has ever had, and warned that supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress would regret their political choices.
The rapper also performed a song highlighting Nigeria’s economic hardship, which he blamed on the current administration.
According to reports, the event centre was sealed on April 7—just four days after the concert. A circulating video showed the premises cordoned off with red tape, alongside an inscription reading: Sealed by EDSG 7/4/26.
The incident quickly stirred reactions online, with some alleging that the action was politically motivated, especially given that Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo is a member of the APC and a known supporter of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding to the controversy, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, initially claimed he was unaware of the development but later confirmed that the facility had indeed been sealed. However, he dismissed claims that the closure was linked to Abdulkareem’s comments.
It was sealed because of a security issue. It has nothing to do with anybody criticizing him (Tinubu), Afegbua said.
He did not provide further details about the alleged security concerns.
Afegbua also disclosed that the event centre has since been reopened and business activities have resumed, though he declined to specify when the unsealing took place.
The development has continued to raise questions among observers, particularly around freedom of expression and whether political criticism could indirectly trigger regulatory actions.
The incident adds to ongoing national conversations about dissent, governance, and the space for political expression in Nigeria. While authorities insist on security justifications, critics argue that transparency is key to maintaining public trust.
