Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has sparked reactions after expressing disappointment following his meeting with the 2023 Labor Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State.
In a video circulating on social media, Portable can be seen exchanging pleasantries with the former governor but later lamenting about not receiving any money from Obi. The singer went on to compare Obi with Nigeria’s current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Tinubu would have given him money if they had met.
Portable’s remarks raised eyebrows, as he bitterly stated:
“Obi cannot give us anything. Obi didn’t give us anything. If it was Tinubu we met, he would have given us something. Let’s go.”
The incident didn’t sit well with many Nigerians who criticized Portable for his sense of entitlement, as fans and critics took to social media to express their discontent. Some accused him of expecting handouts from every influential figure he encounters.
One user, SS1cashofficial, commented:
“Is he a beggar or an artiste?”
Another user, Saint_Ndoo, questioned how Portable achieved fame, saying:
“How did you people make this person a celebrity?”
Others made reference to Peter Obi’s well-known campaign slogan, “We no dey give shishi,” which signifies his stand against vote-buying and political favors. A user, Trenches_Kitchen, pointed out:
“We no dey give shishi. Have you forgotten our slogan?”
Since rising to fame, Portable has developed a reputation for his love of receiving money from dignitaries and influential personalities. In 2022, he met with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was so impressed with the singer that he gifted him bundles of naira. The Ooni even remarked that he would have given Portable more had he been informed of the visit in advance.
Similarly, Portable has visited other high-profile figures, including Fuji music legend Kollington Ayinla and former NURTW chairman MC Oluomo. Both encounters involved financial gifts, further fueling Portable’s image as a celebrity who expects monetary compensation from his visits.
Most recently, he ran into Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage in London, where he enthusiastically declared her as his godmother and expressed excitement over their meeting. Despite his enthusiasm, Portable’s latest expectations from Peter Obi didn’t meet his hopes, and this seems to have sparked his frustration.
While Portable’s antics often garner attention, this latest episode has highlighted a growing sense of disapproval toward his behaviour. Many social media users criticized the singer for his dependency on financial handouts and for making a public spectacle of his dissatisfaction.
Despite the backlash, Portable continues to maintain a strong presence in the public eye, both for his music and his controversial personality. His encounter with Peter Obi, however, has further fueled debates around entitlement and the behaviour of public figures in Nigeria.
Also Read:Portable and Wife Ashabi Welcome Their Second Child
