From music to mayhem: Portable’s never-ending scandals

Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has never been a stranger to controversies.

His latest spat with the law began after authorities sealed his uncompleted building and hotel over alleged illegal development without an approval permit.  He then allegedly assaulted three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office, while they were conducting an enforcement exercise in Ota area of the state.

After the incident, it was reported that nine of Portable accomplices were arrested and arraigned before a magistrates’ court, on five count charges including felony, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

However, the singer made no appearance when the Ogun State Police Command invited him, and he was later declared wanted. Rather, Portable went on social media to appeal to the general public and the government to intervene in the dispute he had with the government.

Speaking in multiple videos, Portable described himself as a “madman undergoing treatment” at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. After being declared wanted by the state police command, he appealed to Nigerians and the Ogun State government for leniency.

The singer eventually surrendered himself to the Police in Lagos, from where he was transferred to Ogun State.

He was then arraigned at a magistrates’ court in Abeokuta, the state capital, where he was slammed with a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, restriction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm. He was later admitted to bail to the tune of N2m.s

Controversies

Portable’s career has been punctuated by several controversies right from the beginning of his career. He has been involved in feuds with Davido, Poco Lee, Kogbagidi and Spyro, among others.

After the release of his breakout single, ‘Zazoo Zehh’, Portable accused dancer and collaborator, Poco Lee, of financial misconduct, alleging that he was shortchanged from funds received during a performance.

He also publicly accused his then-manager, Kogbagidi, of exploiting him, leading to a temporary estrangement. It was later reported that the two eventually reconciled.

The singer’s personal life has also not been devoid of drama. His relationships have also been a topic of public interest. He is known to have multiple children from different women. Currently, he has four women in his life— Omobewaji Ewatomi (first wife), Honey Berry (baby mama), Ashabi Simple (baby mama), and Queen Dami (estranged girlfriend).

Although he always takes time to celebrate with each of his lovers, there have been cases of dispute between them. In December 2024, he had a public altercation with Queen Dami which led to their separation. Portable’s relationships with his partners have been multifaceted, involving moments of public celebration and personal disputes.