Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment

Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has responded to Afrobeats superstar Davido following a viral social media clash in which the singer allegedly referred to him as “Umu bingo” during an online exchange.

In an open letter posted on social media, Omokri said he was surprised and disappointed by Davido’s response, describing the comment as an unnecessary personal attack rather than a constructive engagement on national issues. He explained that the disagreement stemmed from his earlier remarks defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations raised by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia, insisting his position was based on national interest and factual clarification.

Omokri stressed that public figures, especially those with large international followings, should avoid insulting language and instead focus on meaningful dialogue when discussing sensitive political or social matters.

The former presidential aide suggested that Davido’s reaction may also be connected to his previous criticism of the singer’s comments on Nigeria’s insecurity situation during global sporting discussions, including FIFA World Cup conversations. He further referenced political reactions to Davido’s earlier statements, noting that Peter Obi had publicly supported the singer’s stance, which he claimed may have influenced the tone of the exchange.

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Defending his position, Omokri argued that discussing terrorism on major global stages could unintentionally amplify the visibility of extremist groups. He contrasted Davido’s approach with that of American content creator IShowSpeed, whom he said used international platforms to promote Nigeria in a positive light. Omokri also cited international examples, including the October 7, 2023 Israel hostage crisis and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, arguing that excessive global media attention can sometimes complicate security responses and benefit terrorist organizations. He referenced former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s position on limiting publicity for terrorist groups and also pointed to UNESCO guidelines on responsible reporting of terrorism-related incidents.

The exchange comes shortly after Omokri’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed claims surrounding his diplomatic appointment and reports alleging rejection by Mexican authorities. He dismissed the reports as politically motivated misinformation and maintained that his delayed resumption was linked to scheduling issues around the ongoing FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.

In his concluding remarks, Omokri urged Davido to exercise restraint in public discourse despite acknowledging his global success as an artist. He stated that personal insults were unnecessary in public debate and called for more respectful engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s image and security. The exchange has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over issues of free speech, celebrity influence, political commentary, and national security communication.