The Ogun State Government has criticized hip-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, for his “rascality” in his interaction with officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ota.
Currently evading authorities, Portable is accused of unlawfully restraining, obstructing, and assaulting town planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were carrying out their duties.
Nine of his associates—Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Fatimo Muhammed (26), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Samuel Adeleke (28)—were arraigned in an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for allegedly assaulting the officials. They face charges including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill, with bail set at N5 million each.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, labeled Portable a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal” who routinely assaults government officials without cause. Akinmade stated that this “indecent act” would be dealt with according to the law, noting that Portable’s behavior has become “shameful and intolerable” for both residents and the government due to the “chaos and fear” he generates.
He emphasized the Abiodun administration’s commitment to eliminating illegal activities and promoting moral standards.
“We are deeply shocked by the unpleasant and uncivil behavior of hip-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, on Wednesday in the Iyana-Ilogbo area where his bar is situated,” the statement read.
“The manner in which Portable and some individuals he employed attacked the OGPDPA officials is not only outrageous but also indicative of the decline of the Omoluabi ethos among them, representing a significant disgrace to the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun strongly condemned this primitive and indecent behavior, reaffirming his commitment to a fair and just society, and stating that anyone who violates the laws of the land will face the full consequences, regardless of their social status or influence,” the statement concluded.
