Omokri defends criticism of Davido’s ‘Bring Them Home’ jacket

Ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has responded to Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, after the singer insulted him following criticism of his advocacy for abducted schoolchildren at a FIFA World Cup concert.

In a statement posted on his social media page on Tuesday and addressed to Davido, Omokri expressed surprise at the “vulgar” language used against him, describing it as unbecoming of an international celebrity representing Nigeria.

The controversy began after Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, wearing a custom jacket featuring the names of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State in May, along with the message “Bring Them Home.”

Omokri had criticised the move as a mistake that gives terrorists the attention they crave.

Earlier on Tuesday, the IF crooner posted on his Instagram a video of Omokri during an interview and captioned it, “UMU BINGO @renoomokri fowl.”

Reacting, Omokri reiterated his earlier position that while Davido’s intentions may have been good, highlighting bandits and terrorists on such a global platform inadvertently aids recruitment, spreads fear, and boosts funding.

“Dear Mr. David Adeleke AKA @Davido, 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,” he wrote.

The former presidential aide also criticised the singer over what he described as an “insult” during their online exchange.

“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.

“Yes, 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,” Omokri stated.

He argued that such publicity, even if well-intentioned, could aid terrorist groups.

“I did that because 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 added.

Drawing comparisons with international events, Omokri referenced global entertainment and sporting platforms, claiming that celebrities in other countries avoid discussing terrorism incidents in order not to amplify perpetrators.

He also cited the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign, arguing that increased publicity complicated rescue efforts and emboldened terrorist groups.

He said, “We saw that in Nigeria. The #ChibokGirls were abducted on April 14, 2014. The then Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, revealed that the military had located the girls and were ready to rescue them.

“However, after Michelle Obama held up the #BringBackOurGirls banner in May 2014, the publicity resulted in Boko Haram separating the girls into different groups and keeping them in various camps, while increasing security around them, which made it literally impossible to rescue them.

“Thereafter, Boko Haram’s recruitment was boosted, and their finances exploded, and six months later, ISIS announced that they had merged with Boko Haram to form ISWAP.

“That is what I was trying to explain to you. Just like Margaret Thatcher said, ‘publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.’”

Omokri further referenced international guidelines on terrorism reporting, saying organisations such as UNESCO advise against giving undue publicity to terrorist groups.

“It is also why the UNESCO Handbook for Journalists on Terrorism Coverage urges public figures not to grant terrorists any publicity,” he wrote.

He concluded by urging understanding of his position, stating: “I hope you now understand my point of view. Thanks again, and may God bless you.”