Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has sparked fresh debate on social media after openly criticizing Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo over her comments praising single mothers. The singer accused the actress of being a bad example and said she was not in a position to advise young people on marriage and family life.
Portable made the remarks in a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms. In the video, the singer used strong words to attack Iyabo Ojo, questioning her views and personal life. His comments have drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some condemning his approach while others debated the issues he raised.
The singer’s outburst followed Iyabo Ojo’s public support for single mothers. The actress, who is herself a single mother, has often spoken about the struggles and strength of women raising children on their own. Over the years, she has encouraged society to show understanding and respect towards single mothers rather than judging them.
However, Portable disagreed sharply with this position. In his video, he suggested that single mothers should not be celebrated or seen as role models for young women preparing for marriage.
“Which advice do you even want to give to the younger ones getting married?” Portable asked. “That they should be giving birth for different men? One child for one man, three children for three different men?”
He went further to claim that single mothers are more likely to be promiscuous and have children with multiple partners. These comments were widely criticised online, with many Nigerians describing them as unfair, insulting and disrespectful to women.
Iyabo Ojo, a popular actress and film producer, has been in the public eye for decades. She is known not only for her work in Nollywood but also for her outspoken nature on social and political issues. She has often used her platform to speak on women’s rights, child protection and social justice.
As a single mother who raised her two children largely on her own, Iyabo Ojo has shared her personal experiences to encourage other women facing similar situations. Her supporters say she represents resilience and hard work, especially in a society where single mothers often face stigma and discrimination.
Portable, on the other hand, is no stranger to controversy. The singer, who rose to fame with his hit song “Zazoo Zeh,” has repeatedly made headlines for clashes with fellow artists, public figures and even fans. His outspoken and sometimes aggressive style has earned him both loyal followers and strong critics.
In this latest controversy, many social media users accused Portable of going too far by attacking Iyabo Ojo personally instead of expressing his opinion respectfully. Some described his comments as harmful and likely to promote negative stereotypes about single mothers.
Others, however, said the singer was expressing his personal beliefs about marriage and family values, even though they disagreed with his tone. They argued that discussions about family structure should be handled carefully and without insults.
The debate has reopened conversations about the challenges faced by single mothers in Nigeria. Many women become single parents due to divorce, separation, death of a spouse or unplanned circumstances. Despite these realities, single mothers are often judged harshly and blamed for situations beyond their control.
Social commentators have pointed out that focusing only on women ignores the role of absent fathers. They argue that society rarely questions men who have children with multiple partners, while women are often criticised for the same situation.
Some women’s rights advocates also noted that praising single mothers does not mean encouraging broken homes. Instead, they say it is about recognising the effort of women who step up to raise their children responsibly despite difficult circumstances.
As of the time of filing this report, Iyabo Ojo has not publicly responded to Portable’s comments. However, many of her fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry have come to her defence, praising her strength and condemning the singer’s remarks.
The incident highlights how celebrity comments can quickly influence public discussion in Nigeria, especially on sensitive topics like family, marriage and morality. It also shows the power of social media in spreading both opinions and controversies within a short time.
While opinions remain divided, many Nigerians agree that such discussions should be handled with respect and understanding. They argue that public figures, especially those with large followings, should be mindful of how their words affect others.