The Ogun State Government has expressed strong disapproval of the actions of hip-hop artiste Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable. Portable’s behavior towards officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ota, has been described as “rascality.”
Portable allegedly restricted, obstructed, and assaulted town planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were performing their duties. Although Portable is currently at large, nine of his associates have been arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on charges including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill. Bail was set at N5 million each.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, condemned Portable as a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal.” The governor stressed that the “indecent act” would be addressed according to the law, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities and establishing morality in the state.
Akinmade added that Portable’s actions are becoming “shameful and intolerable,” given the “chaos and fear” they incite among locals and the government.
“We are profoundly taken aback by the unpleasant and uncivil act of the hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, on Wednesday, in the Iyana-Ilogbo area of the State where his bar is located,” the statement read.
Governor Abiodun reiterated his dedication to a just and egalitarian society, stating that anyone flouting the law would face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their social status or influence.