Reno Omokri Reacts After Davido Calls Him ‘Fowl’ Over World Cup Kidnap Victims Campaign

Ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has expressed disappointment and surprise over the insult directed at him by award-winning Nigerian singer Davido amid their ongoing disagreement over the use of a global platform to highlight insecurity in Nigeria.

The dispute erupted after Davido performed at a FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles wearing a specially designed jacket bearing the names of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State in May. The outfit also featured the message, “Bring Them Home,” in a bid to draw international attention to the plight of the victims.

Omokri subsequently criticised the gesture, arguing that while the intention may have been noble, using a major international event to spotlight terrorist activities could inadvertently serve the interests of criminal groups by amplifying fear and attracting global attention to their actions.

Following the criticism, Davido shared a video of Omokri during an interview on Instagram and accompanied it with the caption, “UMU BINGO @renoomokri fowl.”

Responding in a lengthy statement posted on his social media page on Tuesday, Omokri said he was taken aback by what he described as the singer’s use of vulgar language.

“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. Most shocking is your insult,” he wrote.

Omokri further stated that Davido, as one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainers on the global stage, should be held to a higher standard of public conduct.

“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,” he added.

The former presidential aide maintained that he understood the singer’s concern for the abducted victims but insisted that publicising kidnappings and terrorist activities before a global audience could produce unintended consequences.

“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.

“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 argued.

Drawing comparisons, he referenced popular American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed, who also attended the event and used the occasion to promote Nigeria positively.

“How can you, a Nigerian citizen with a global platform, go on a global stage to give publicity to terrorists and de-market Nigeria, meanwhile, at that same event, and on that same day, IShowSpeed, an American citizen, used his celebrity and the global stage of the World Cup to market Nigeria?” he questioned.

Omokri also cited previous international incidents involving mass abductions, including the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping and the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, arguing that excessive publicity surrounding such incidents can sometimes complicate rescue efforts and embolden perpetrators.

To reinforce his position, he quoted former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who famously said, “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.”

According to Omokri, the quote encapsulates the rationale behind his criticism of Davido’s campaign and his belief that terrorists often benefit from widespread attention.

Despite the disagreement, Omokri ended his statement on a conciliatory note, expressing hope that the singer would eventually understand his perspective and intentions.

“Thanks again, and may God bless you,” he concluded.