The much-anticipated concert organized by Jarule Entertainment in Ibadan, where controversial singer Habib Okikiola, better known as Portable, was billed to perform, ended in disappointment after the artist was forced to withdraw due to fears of a potential attack. The tension stemmed from the fallout of Portable’s inflammatory comments about Ibadan, which stirred anger among residents of the ancient city.
A few weeks before the end of 2024, Portable, in one of his characteristic online rants, made derogatory remarks about Ibadan, describing it as a “village where buildings lack POP ceilings.” his words struck a nerve among the people of Ibadan, many of whom felt insulted. Despite issuing an apology on social media, the damage had already been done. The apology was largely dismissed by a section of his fanbase, who considered it insincere.
Portable’s career has been marked by frequent outbursts and controversies, earning him the reputation of being unpredictable and prone to verbal outbursts—what many describe as “verbal diarrhea.” His public spats, including a recent messy feud with his ex-wife Queen Dami, have only added to his notoriety. While some fans admire his raw and unfiltered personality, others find his behavior increasingly problematic.
His penchant for addressing even minor irritations with harsh words, often in public, has created a growing pool of detractors. Many who once supported his energetic style of music now view him with skepticism.
Despite the controversy, Jarule Entertainment proceeded with plans for the concert, hoping that Portable’s apology would calm tensions. However, as the concert date approached, reports emerged of individuals allegedly seeking to harm the artist. Jarule Entertainment, concerned about potential unrest, contacted the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, signed an undertaking, and secured adequate security for the venue.
Despite these measures, the organizers received credible reports of people actively searching for Portable’s whereabouts and lodging in the city. Given the heightened risk, a decision was made to drop Portable from the lineup altogether to prevent any escalation.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Jarule, the organizer of the show, explained:“We spoke to the commissioner of police about the matter and even signed an undertaking. We were provided with adequate security at the venue, but we got reports that some people were still asking around for Portable’s whereabouts and lodging in Ibadan. It was then decided that he stay off the show altogether.”
Beyond the organizers, the incident also placed popular Fuji musician Taiye Currency in the spotlight. As one of the headline acts, Taiye faced criticism from some Ibadan indigenes who felt he should not have shared a stage with Portable. In response, several people reportedly took to the streets to voice their displeasure, urging Taiye to distance himself from the controversial singer.
The Portable-Ibadan saga underscores the risks that come with unchecked public statements, especially from celebrities with large followings. In a city like Ibadan, with a rich cultural heritage and proud populace, derogatory comments can have lasting consequences. Portable’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other artists about the importance of diplomacy and respect in their dealings with fans and the general public.
While Portable’s brand thrives on controversy, this incident may force him to reconsider his approach to public discourse. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Aṣọ ò bá ọmọ yé mọ́; ọmọ yé ti rìn ihòhò wọ ọjà,” meaning that once a child walks naked into the marketplace, no amount of clothing can restore their dignity. Whether Portable can regain the goodwill of Ibadan fans remains to be seen.
In the meantime, jarule Entertainment and Taiye Currency will have to manage the fallout from what was supposed to be a high-energy concert but turned into a lesson in humility and public relations for all involved.
