A silent war appears to be brewing between award-winning Nigerian music star, Davido, and his longtime aide, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW.
The duo, once known for their close relationship and public show of loyalty, may now be drifting apart, with reports suggesting that Davido has finally had enough of Israel’s antics and has taken decisive steps to distance himself.
According to sources close to the singer’s camp, Davido recently unfollowed Israel on Instagram, a move fans were quick to notice and interpret as a clear sign of trouble.
More telling, however, was Israel’s conspicuous absence from the list of team members accompanying Davido on his ongoing tour for his latest album.
The decision to leave Israel out of such a major rollout is seen as a strong statement, especially considering how visible and vocal he has always been during Davido’s projects.
While the exact cause of the fallout remains unclear, insiders suggest that Israel may have crossed a line that tested the singer’s patience.
There has been murmurs about Israel’s tendency to overstep his boundaries, make unsolicited public statements, and engage in drama that the singer finds embarrassing or unnecessary.
Davido, who has been focused on repositioning his brand and consolidating international partnerships, is said to have become increasingly wary of distractions from his inner circle.
Israel, who has built a reputation for being fiercely loyal—sometimes to a fault—has in the past made headlines for defending Davido even in controversial situations.
But that loyalty sometimes translated into public rants and unnecessary interference in matters the singer preferred to keep private.
His loud and sometimes emotional reactions to issues involving Davido may have finally worn thin, with some insiders hinting that the singer has chosen to streamline his team to include only those who reflect his current direction.
Efforts by Israel to patch things up are reportedly ongoing, but they may be coming too late.
Sources claimed he has reached out to mutual friends, pleaded for forgiveness, and even offered public displays of support to win back his place beside the superstar.
However, Davido appears unmoved and may be sticking to a firm decision to create some distance, at least for now.
“He’s not mad, but he’s just done,” a source familiar with the situation said. “It’s not about beef. It’s about outgrowing certain behaviors.”
Fans of both Davido and Israel have taken to social media to express concern over the situation.
Some feel that Davido should consider forgiving Israel, citing the aide’s long history of loyalty and dedication.
Others argued that Davido has every right to draw boundaries, especially if he feels that his brand or peace of mind is being compromised.
“Loyalty is good, but if someone becomes a liability, you have to let them go,” one fan tweeted.
Israel has remained largely silent on the matter, though his recent Instagram posts have carried a tone of reflection and subtle appeals. In one post, he shared a cryptic message about knowing those who truly stand by you in difficult times.
While he didn’t mention Davido directly, many interpreted the message as a veiled attempt to address the growing tension between them.
This is not the first time cracks have appeared in their relationship.
In the past, Israel was briefly suspended from Davido’s camp over comments he made about other industry figures.
While he was eventually reinstated, the episode was seen as a warning.
This latest development, however, appears more permanent, especially with Davido’s deliberate action of excluding Israel from both his social media and professional itinerary.
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