Authorities cite security concerns as opposition voices allege political retaliation; venue later reopened amid backlash

The Edo State Government has sealed the Mega Hub event centre in Benin City, just days after veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem openly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration during a live performance at the venue—an action that has ignited debate over free speech and political intolerance.

The facility, which doubles as an event space and eatery, hosted “Mega Rave: A Night with the Legends” on April 3, 2026. During his performance, Abdulkareem paused mid-set to deliver a scathing critique of the Tinubu-led government, branding the president “the worst” Nigeria has seen and accusing him of neglecting victims of a deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State.

In a video that quickly went viral, the rapper questioned Tinubu’s April 2 visit to Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, noting that the president met with politicians and selected victims but did not visit the community where about 30 people were killed on March 29. He also decried worsening economic hardship, blaming current policies and warning that supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would ultimately bear the consequences of their political choices.

On April 7, officials of the Edo State Government moved in to shut down the Mega Hub. Footage circulating online showed the premises cordoned off with red tape and marked with the notice: “Sealed by EDSG 7/4/26.”

The timing of the closure has fueled widespread speculation, with critics linking the government’s action to Abdulkareem’s remarks. The controversy is further amplified by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s political alignment with President Tinubu and his pledge to deliver Edo State for the APC in the 2027 presidential election.

However, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed claims of political retaliation. He maintained that the decision to seal the venue was based strictly on security intelligence and unrelated to the rapper’s comments.

Amid mounting public scrutiny, reports later confirmed that the Mega Hub has since been reopened, though questions continue to linger over the true motive behind the temporary shutdown.