The Edo State Government has sealed an event centre in the state following a party where Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The facility, identified as Mega Hub, was shut down days after hosting an event tagged “Mega Rave: A Night with the Legends” on April 3, where the rapper performed alongside other artistes.
During his performance, Abdulkareem paused to criticise the Tinubu administration, accusing the president of poor leadership and worsening economic hardship in the country. In a video from the event that has since gone viral, the rapper also mocked the president’s recent visit to Plateau State, alleging that he failed to visit communities affected by violence despite heavy security presence.
The footage sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many linking the government’s subsequent action against the venue to the remarks made at the event.
Reports indicate that officials of the Edo State Government sealed the premises on April 7, with video evidence showing the entrance barricaded and marked with an inscription confirming the closure.
However, the state government has denied any political motive behind the action.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, said the decision to seal the facility was based on security intelligence and not related to the rapper’s criticism of the president.
“It was sealed because of a security issue. It has nothing to do with anybody criticising him,” Afegbua stated, without providing further details.
He later disclosed that the centre had been reopened, noting that the owners had resumed business activities, although he did not specify when the reopening occurred.
The incident has generated debate over freedom of expression and the role of government in regulating public events, especially where political commentary is involved.
