Amaju Pinnick, the former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has accused singer Davido of failing to appear at the 19th edition of the Warri Again festival, despite receiving a payment exceeding $94,600 (approximately ₦72 million).

Pinnick, a prominent sports administrator, revealed that the event organizers had also booked a private jet for $18,000 to transport the artist to the event in Warri, Delta State.

Addressing the audience at the event, Pinnick conveyed his disappointment, stating, “We paid Davido $94,600 on the 6th of April. We paid $18,000 for his plane. If he claims to be a big shot, we would have told him that we are bigger than he is.”

Pinnick emphasized the need to be resourceful and adaptable, sharing that when Davido’s commitment became uncertain, they opted to seek out another artist, Shallipopi.

Highlighting the significance of the Warri region, Pinnick added, “When people claim to be the biggest, I just chuckle. Isn’t Burna Boy the biggest artist in Nigeria today? Burna Boy is of Itsekiri descent. His paternal grandmother is Itsekiri. So, he surpasses Davido.”

Pinnick further challenged the notion of who is considered the biggest in various industries, using examples like RMD in acting and Ali Baba in comedy. He asserted the prominence of Warri, emphasizing its continuous contributions to these fields.

The allegations against Davido raise questions about contractual obligations in the entertainment industry, particularly in cases involving high-profile artists and significant financial transactions.