The Nigerian street-pop sensation, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has recently ignited a storm of controversy with Portable father exploitation allegations against his own father. The artist, known for his unfiltered expressions, has publicly accused his father of a pattern of neglect, manipulation, and financially exploiting his hard-earned success, drawing a stark comparison to the ongoing saga surrounding the late Mohbad’s father. This public outburst comes amidst escalating family disputes, including a recent physical altercation with one of his children’s mothers that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
During a candid Instagram Live session, the founder of Zeh Nation expressed profound disappointment, lamenting that his father consistently distances himself during Portable’s challenging moments, particularly those involving legal issues or marital conflicts. Yet, despite this alleged neglect, Portable claims his father maintains contact with his partners, not for mediation or support, but for what he describes as selfish financial gains. This alleged behavior, according to Portable, has repeatedly destabilized his personal relationships and created undue stress in his life.
“Even my dad is only concerned with getting money from me,” Portable stated emphatically during his live broadcast. He questioned his father’s priorities, highlighting how he would never come to his aid at a police station, despite being his son. Instead, Portable alleged, his father would actively collect phone numbers of his baby mamas to solicit money from them. He expressed bewilderment, suggesting his father should primarily have a relationship with his legal wife, Bewaji, rather than pursuing financial interactions with all his partners. This focus on money, Portable believes, has inadvertently scattered his family life.
The artist further detailed instances where his father allegedly failed to provide support during times of crisis. When faced with invasions at his home, Portable claimed his father would refuse to report to the police, choosing instead to “run and hide” from his son’s problems. This stark contrast between his father’s alleged absence during difficulties and his presence when seeking financial contributions forms the core of Portable’s public grievance, leaving his fans to ponder the complexities of why is Portable accusing his father? on such a public stage.
What is family exploitation in Nigeria? Family exploitation in Nigeria refers to the misuse of familial relationships or positions of trust for personal gain, often financial, by one family member at the expense of another. This can involve pressure for money, mismanaging resources, or leveraging success without consent.
Beyond the emotional and relational strain, Portable also brought forth serious financial allegations concerning his building projects. He accused his father of actively mismanaging funds, inflating prices of building materials, and taking advantage of his trust. Portable recounted specific instances where his father allegedly quoted 300 blocks as 900 blocks and attempted to inflate a N1.4 million roofing project to N2.7 million. These actions, Portable believes, were direct attempts to capitalize on his assets and wealth.
The parallels Portable drew to the controversy surrounding the late Mohbad’s father were particularly striking, intensifying the debate around Portable father vs Mohbad father dynamics. Portable explicitly stated his fear of his father laying claim to his wealth and possessions, asserting, “You can never inherit me. I will not allow you to do to me what they did to Mohbad.” This strong declaration underscores his determination to protect his assets and ensure his children’s future, free from the alleged exploitation he currently experiences.
Portable reaffirmed his resolve to protect his legacy, asserting that his father would not succeed in taking his properties, including cars and clothes. He swore by God that no one would inherit him, emphasizing his intention to live a long life to care for his children and safeguard his properties. This statement highlights a deep-seated fear of history repeating itself, particularly in the context of tragic celebrity deaths and subsequent family disputes over estates.
Touching on spiritual matters, Portable stated, “You can not kill me. Spirituality is genuine, and I will be spiritual with anybody.” He lamented his mother’s absence, believing she would have fought for him and prevented his current suffering. He even alleged that his father had scammed his mother before her death and was now continuing to scam him, painting a picture of a long-standing pattern of financial manipulation within the family.
The artist shared details of his past, revealing that his father had sent him away from Abuja, leading him to learn tailoring in Lagos. This anecdote suggests a history of paternal detachment and a lack of support during his formative years. Portable also accused his father of blocking his aunt, who had raised him after his mother’s death, alleging his father claimed she used him for rituals—a move Portable saw as an attempt to isolate him further for exploitation.
Throughout his emotional exposé, Portable consistently praised his aunt, Alhaja, crediting her with unwavering support since childhood and standing by him during numerous arrests and difficult moments. He expressed gratitude for her fortifying him, suggesting her influence was crucial to his survival and success. Portable contrasted this with his father’s alleged actions, including collecting his money and cars, despite not having bought anything for Alhaja. This highlights the complex family dynamics and the differing roles relatives play in a celebrity’s life, contributing to the broader narrative of Nigerian street-pop artist family drama.
Portable’s allegations resonate with a wider societal concern about celebrity family disputes Nigeria often faces, where the newfound wealth and fame of individuals can strain existing family ties. These public spats often reveal underlying issues of expectation, entitlement, and the societal pressure placed on successful individuals to support extended family, sometimes to their detriment. Portable’s case serves as a poignant example of the challenges artists face in balancing family obligations with personal well-being and financial security.
Ultimately, Portable’s public airing of Portable father exploitation allegations is a desperate plea for understanding and a firm declaration of independence. He aims to protect his future and his children from what he perceives as a cycle of financial manipulation and neglect. His story sheds light on the often-hidden struggles of public figures navigating complex family relationships, especially when wealth becomes a central point of contention.
