Popular Nigerian street-hop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has stirred controversy once again — this time over his explosive reaction to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Following confirmation of the former leader’s passing in London after a prolonged illness, a video of Portable surfaced online, drawing immediate attention. In the clip, the outspoken artist made scathing accusations, linking Buhari directly to the infamous 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shooting during the #EndSARS protests.
“The man that said they should shoot our people at the Lekki Still Gate is dead,” Portable declared in the video. “Let us do good. May he die again in Heaven. He was the one that ordered the shooting, not Tinubu. He died in London.”
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His statement sent shockwaves through social media, reopening wounds tied to one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s recent history. On October 20, 2020, peaceful protesters demanding an end to police brutality were reportedly shot at by security operatives at the Lekki Toll Gate. The incident sparked global outrage and demands for justice — many of which remain unresolved.
Portable, known for his no-holds-barred approach and erratic social media presence, followed up the video with a caption that read:
“Do Good because of tomorrow…..”
In his message, he urged Nigerians to live righteously, warning that death does not erase the consequences of one’s actions. His tone, although spiritual in nature, came wrapped in defiance — calling for accountability from beyond the grave.
The controversial singer’s reaction has ignited a fierce online debate. While some users applauded him for saying what many believe but fear to say, others criticized the timing and tone of his remarks, accusing him of insensitivity and disrespect.
Still, Portable’s words struck a nerve, especially among young Nigerians who remain deeply affected by the #EndSARS movement and the events at Lekki. His claim that Buhari, not any other political figure, gave the alleged order adds fuel to an already charged narrative.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria first as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, left behind a legacy that remains fiercely debated. While supporters hail his efforts against corruption and insurgency, critics point to economic struggles, restricted freedoms, and unresolved human rights abuses during his administration.
Portable’s outburst, though controversial, underscores the unresolved emotions many Nigerians still harbor — and the demand for clarity and accountability, even after death.
