Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has sparked outrage with a scathing public attack on his father, accusing him of abandonment and blaming him for the legal troubles he currently faces with the Ogun State government. The musician, who recently became embroiled in a highly publicized altercation with government officials, has pointed the finger at his father for not offering support in the face of growing allegations.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Portable was arraigned by the Ogun State government on charges of assault after a violent confrontation with officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The incident, which occurred in the heart of the state capital, Abeokuta, has left the singer facing legal consequences, with accusations that he and his nine associates physically attacked government workers while trying to prevent the demolition of a property in the state.
While Portable remains at large, he took to social media to voice his frustrations, specifically targeting his father in an Instagram post that has since gone viral. The post, laden with emotional outbursts, was filled with harsh words for his father, whom the singer claimed had failed to come to his aid during the ordeal.
“But why my papa no go police station to cover me, he is a bad father. Na him I dey give money to do all those houses, na him chop my money,” Portable wrote on Instagram. “If too say him don’t settle with them, I no go get problem with this people,” he continued, hinting that his father had a role in his current predicament by failing to broker peace with the Ogun State authorities.
The singer’s sentiments were clearly fueled by the weight of the ongoing charges and the apparent lack of familial support, as he further accused his father of benefiting from his success while neglecting to protect him in times of trouble.
The drama surrounding Portable’s legal entanglements began earlier this month when the Ogun State government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, filed charges against the singer and his associates for assaulting officials attempting to execute a demolition order. The incident reportedly took place at a construction site in the Ifo Local Government Area, where Portable was allegedly building several properties without the necessary permits.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the altercation escalated when Portable and his crew confronted the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development officials, refusing to allow the demolition to proceed. Tensions reportedly reached a boiling point when physical force was used against the officials, resulting in injuries and sparking public outcry.
The legal proceedings that followed saw Portable and his associates charged with multiple counts of assault and obstruction of government duties. The Ogun State Police Command has launched an extensive manhunt for the singer, who is currently evading arrest.
The Father-Son Rift: A Deeper Look
While Portable’s recent outbursts are surprising to many, the tension between the artist and his father is not entirely new. The relationship between the two has long been marked by discord, with Portable frequently expressing dissatisfaction with his family in interviews and on social media.
In past interviews, Portable has hinted at a strained relationship with his parents, often speaking about how his rise to fame has not been met with the support he expected from those closest to him. “Sometimes, I feel alone in this industry,” he once said in an interview with a popular Nigerian radio station. “People think I’m enjoying fame, but they don’t see the struggles behind the scenes.”
Portable’s allegations against his father, accusing him of taking advantage of his financial success, come at a time when the musician is also battling public scrutiny over his controversial behavior. Known for his brash attitude and volatile social media presence, Portable has made headlines time and again for his clashes with authority figures and the public. His outbursts often seem to reflect a deeper sense of frustration, with many wondering if his fame has come at the expense of his personal life.
Legal Fallout and Public Response
Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of the case, noting that Portable could face serious consequences if convicted. The charges of assault and obstruction of justice carry significant penalties under Nigerian law, particularly in cases involving government officials. While the public is divided on the issue, many Nigerians have expressed concern over the singer’s continued defiance of authority, fearing that his actions could set a dangerous precedent for other celebrities who may feel above the law.
Public opinion is also divided on the accusations against Portable’s father. Some have sympathized with the musician, suggesting that his father’s absence in his time of need is a reflection of deeper family issues. Others have criticized Portable for airing his family’s dirty laundry in public, with many questioning the wisdom of using social media to resolve personal grievances.
One Nigerian social media user, commenting on Portable’s Instagram post, wrote: “Family is everything, but Portable should also learn to handle things privately. No need to bring all of this to the public.”
Another user offered a more sympathetic view, writing, “If your own father no fit cover you when you need him most, who go help you? I understand his frustration.”
