Nigerian street-hop singer Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, recently made headlines after an emotional social media video surfaced showing him in tears.
The clip, which quickly went viral, captured the singer pleading for divine intervention amid ongoing legal issues tied to allegations of assaulting officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
The Incident
Authorities accused Portable and his associates of physically confronting OGPDPA staff during an encounter at Odogwu Bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ogun State.
The clash reportedly occurred during an inspection by officials, though specific details about the altercation remain under investigation.
According to The Punch, the Ogun State government has vowed to pursue legal action, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for violence against public servants.
Portable’s Emotional Plea
In the now-viral video, the singer, known for his unfiltered persona and hit songs like “Zazoo Zeh,” tearfully sang a sorrowful melody in Yoruba.
He appealed to spiritual forces, chanting, “The gods, please help me… may my secrets be safe. We are all sinners, but when a sinner knows his crime, he shouldn’t stay long on his knees.”
His raw display of emotion blurred the lines between vulnerability and performative drama, leaving fans divided.
Reactions
While some supporters flooded social media with messages of solidarity, others criticized the singer for deflecting accountability.
“This is classic gaslighting – he’s trying to play the victim instead of addressing the allegations,” tweeted a Nigerian legal analyst, referencing Portable’s history of public disputes.
Cultural commentator Tunde Adeleke noted to Vanguard News that Portable’s persona often thrives on controversy, stating,
“His brand is built on rebellion, but legal battles could damage his credibility long-term.”
This isn’t Portable’s first brush with controversy. In 2022, he faced backlash for inciting violence in a music video, prompting calls for accountability from the Nigerian Police Force.
His tendency to blend personal struggles with spiritual symbolism – a common theme in Yoruba culture – has sparked debates about the ethics of leveraging faith during crises.
As the case unfolds, legal experts emphasize the importance of due process.
Emotional appeals don’t negate the law, remarked human rights lawyer Femi Falana in an interview with Premium Times.
Meanwhile, Portable’s legal team has yet to release an official statement, leaving fans and critics alike awaiting clarity.
The singer’s tearful outcry highlights the complex intersection of fame, accountability, and cultural identity in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. While the court of public opinion remains split, the judiciary’s verdict will ultimately determine the trajectory of Portable’s career – and legacy.