“I Am Igbo by Blood” — Davido Claps Back at Tribal Troll on X, Declares His Igbo Heritage

 

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has responded with a sharp retort after facing tribal criticism from a social media user questioning his close association with Igbos. The heated exchange took place on the X platform (formerly Twitter), where a user under the handle Yakbel made sweeping statements discouraging Davido, who hails from the Yoruba ethnic group, from affiliating closely with Igbo people.

The troll alleged that Davido’s support and visible camaraderie with Igbo individuals could end in betrayal, suggesting that such alliances were unwise for a Yoruba man. “Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest. Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them. You can never satisfy Ibos. Ibos are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man,” Yakbel wrote.

Unfazed by the comment, Davido fired back in a brief but telling response. “Lol. I am Igbo by blood,” the singer posted, making it clear that his ties to the Igbo ethnic group go beyond friendship or professional association—they run in his veins.

Davido’s statement quickly drew attention across social media, sparking debates and discussions among fans and critics alike. While some lauded him for taking a stand against tribal bias and proudly embracing his heritage, others condemned the initial comment as divisive and harmful in a multicultural nation like Nigeria.

The singer, who has often emphasized unity and diversity in his music and public life, is no stranger to cross-cultural connections. His background reflects a blend of cultures—his father, billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, is Yoruba, while his late mother, Veronica Imade Adeleke, was of Igbo descent. This dual heritage has shaped both his identity and public persona, making him a symbol of Nigeria’s rich ethnic mosaic.

Rather than shy away from his diverse roots, Davido has consistently embraced them, often showcasing relationships and collaborations that span across Nigeria’s ethnic divides. His roster of friends, business partners, and collaborators includes prominent names from various tribes, particularly among the Igbo.

The singer’s response also subtly highlighted the dangers of ethnic profiling and underscored the need to resist tribal stereotypes that continue to plague public discourse. His simple declaration—“I am Igbo by blood”—served not just as a personal clarification but also as a rejection of the toxic narrative that seeks to pit one Nigerian ethnic group against another.

As one of Africa’s most globally recognized musicians, Davido’s platform carries significant influence, and moments like this amplify his role beyond entertainment into social commentary. By addressing the troll with dignity and clarity, he reminded his followers that identity in Nigeria is complex and cannot be confined by ethnic lines.

Rather than indulge in further online drama, Davido let his roots speak for themselves—a move that not only reaffirmed his identity but also served as a subtle yet powerful rebuke of tribal intolerance.

lol I AM IGBO by blood https://t.co/WyN0V6rzk7

— Davido (@davido) May 20, 2025