The ongoing dispute between controversial singer Habib Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, and the people of Ibadan has escalated into a heated conflict. In a video released online on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Portable demanded that Ibadan residents leave Lagos State, further intensifying tensions.
Speaking in Yoruba, Portable stated that not only should people from Ibadan leave Lagos, but no Ibadan-based artist should perform in the state. This remark followed threats reportedly made by Ibadan residents, warning Portable to stay away from their city.
In his video, Portable accused the people of Ibadan of hypocrisy, claiming that many of the motor park workers, or “Agbero boys,” in Lagos are originally from Ibadan. “Ibadan people said I should not come to their city, but their children are here in Lagos working in motor parks,” he said.
Origins of the Conflict
The conflict began after Portable made a controversial remark that there are no modern POP (Plaster of Paris) houses in Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole. This statement sparked outrage among Ibadan residents, many of whom responded with an online backlash and threats warning Portable not to attend an event hosted by popular Ibadan-based Fuji musician Taye Currency.
Although Portable eventually skipped Taye Currency’s show, he later explained in another viral video that his absence was not due to the threats but because he was underpaid. “They only gave me one million naira instead of the five million naira I demanded,” he said.
This explanation has done little to calm the tension, as some Ibadan residents insist that Portable should issue a public apology before he is welcomed in their city again. One music critic, Sola Adebayo, remarked, “Portable’s statements are unnecessarily divisive. Instead of building bridges, he is creating animosity, which is not what the music industry needs.”
A War of Words
The feud escalated further when Portable released a diss track three days ago, targeting Taye Currency and accusing him of being stingy. “He cannot spend the right amount to bring me to Ibadan as a star artist,” Portable sang in the track.
Social media has since been awash with comments from music lovers, many of whom are calling for an end to the feud. Ayomide Gbolahan, another music critic, expressed concern over the growing animosity. “This feud is spiraling out of control. It’s no longer about music; it’s about regional pride. The governments of Lagos and Oyo States need to step in before this escalates into something bigger,” he said.
Some social media users have also criticized Portable for his divisive remarks, pointing out that he is originally from Sango in Ogun State, not Lagos. “Portable has no right to ask Ibadan people to leave Lagos. Lagos is a cosmopolitan city that belongs to everyone,” said Kunle Adetunji, a music enthusiast, on Twitter. “His statements are reckless and could spark unnecessary tribal or regional conflict.”
Calls for Reconciliation
Despite the backlash, some prominent figures in the Nigerian music industry are calling for reconciliation. “Music should unite us, not divide us,” said Daniel Imole, a Lagos-based music producer popularly known as Yeba. “Portable must apologize, and the people of Ibadan should also extend a hand of peace. Let’s not allow this to derail the progress of our music industry.”
While some Ibadan residents have agreed to move past the incident, many insist on a sincere apology from Portable for his remarks. Without this, they believe his relationship with the city could be irreparably damaged.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has played a critical role in amplifying the dispute. Portable’s videos and the reactions from Ibadan residents have gone viral, drawing commentary from Nigerians across the country. While some find the saga entertaining, others warn of its potentially harmful consequences.
“The internet never forgets,” said cultural commentator Funmi Otegbeye. “Portable’s comments might win him short-term attention, but they could damage his career in the long run if he alienates fans from Ibadan and beyond.”
As of now, there has been no official statement from Portable regarding an apology, nor from the governments of Lagos and Oyo States on whether they intend to mediate. Fans and stakeholders in the music industry hope that the feud will be resolved soon to prevent further escalation.
The spotlight remains on Portable as he faces mounting pressure to address the situation more constructively. Whether he chooses to reconcile or continue with his controversial stance will determine the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
