The Edo State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has strongly condemned the reported sealing of an event venue in Benin City following a musical performance by veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem.
In a statement issued by the Edo State Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Clinton I. Onobumhe (popularly known as Morguana), he described the action as “unacceptable, disturbing and disgraceful to democracy,” calling on the Edo State Government to immediately reverse the decision.
According to the statement, Abdulkareem performed at an event on April 3 at MegaHub/Mega Foods event centre located along Iriri Airport Road in Benin City. The performance reportedly included politically charged songs that resonated with many Nigerians amid the country’s current economic hardship.
Videos from the event later circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the singer’s remarks and lyrics addressing governance and the economic struggles facing millions of Nigerians.
The movement alleged that shortly after the videos went viral online, the Edo State Government under the leadership of Monday Okpebholo ordered the sealing of the venue where the event was held, “TIB Edo State condemns this act in all ramifications,” the statement read. “The decision to seal the venue after the performance is an assault on democratic values and freedom of expression.”
The Edo State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement stated that the governor must ensure that the powers of his office are used for the benefit of the people rather than for “selfish and personal interests or the interest of a few elites.”
The statement further emphasized Edo State’s reputation as a politically conscious state, noting that actions perceived to suppress free expression could undermine the democratic culture for which the state is known, “We ask His Excellency to allow his office to be used strictly for the good representation of the people. Edo State, the Heartbeat of the Nation, has always been known for excellence and good representation, and that tradition must not change,” the statement added.
The movement therefore called for the immediate reopening of the venue and the reversal of what it termed a “non-democratic move.”
Eedris Abdulkareem is widely known for his outspoken political commentary through music. The veteran rapper gained national prominence in the early 2000s with songs such as Jaga Jaga, which criticized corruption and poor governance in Nigeria.
His recent performances have continued in the same tradition, often addressing political leadership, economic hardship and social issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
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