Veteran Nigerian singer Daddy Showkey has publicly criticized Niger State Governor Umar Bago over a controversial directive to arrest individuals with dreadlocks in Minna.
Taking to Instagram on April 24, 2025, the iconic artist—well-known for his knee-length dreadlocks—posted a picture of himself and expressed his outrage at the governor’s order. In his caption, he ridiculed the decision, suggesting that Bago should focus on trimming his own beard before policing others’ hairstyles
“Mohamed Umar, Dada be your problem? I wanted to come to Minna, but now you’re having your security cut people’s dreadlocks? Keep your state. But before that, shave your ‘beer bee’ (beard),” he wrote.
Showkey’s post quickly gained traction, drawing reactions from fans and social media users who echoed his sentiments and criticized the governor for what many saw as a misplaced priority“It’s shocking that in 2025, a governor is more worried about hairstyles than the hunger and unemployment ravaging his state. If anyone should be arrested, it’s the governor himself—completely clueless!” one user commented.
“So if a musician visits Minna with dreadlocks, they risk being shaved and fined? That’s absurd. What does hair have to do with insecurity?” another wrote.
Governor Bago’s controversial order stemmed from a stakeholders’ security meeting held on Tuesday, April 21, 2025, where he instructed law enforcement to cut off the dreadlocks of residents and impose fines.
Following widespread backlash, the governor issued a clarification, claiming the directive only targeted individuals involved in cult-related activities. However, the damage was already done, as many Nigerians dismissed the explanation and continued to lambast the policy as discriminatory and misguided.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
