Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, failed to perform at a concert in Ibadan on Thursday, organised by Fuji star Taye Currency.
Portable angered the people of Ibadan after a viral video late last year, in which he criticised Ibadan and Oyo people for not owning buildings with Plaster of Paris (PoP) during a feud with his ex-lover, Queen Dami.
He took to social media to display the apartment he rented for his estranged lover in a video featuring POP decor, stating that such amenities were not found in Ibadan and Oyo State, which he claimed was widely used in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
The comment sparked widespread condemnation, with many expressing their displeasure at the singer’s disrespect for the people of both places.
He was billed to perform at the Fuji sensation’s New Year Concert in Ibadan on Thursday, 2nd of January, 2025, but the Zazu crooner was noticeably absent when it was his turn, despite having previously begged the Ibadan people for forgiveness for his earlier remarks.
In an interview with Tribune Online, Jarule Entertainment, the concert’s curator, stated that due to security concerns following Portable’s recent comments about Ibadan, it was decided he would not attend the event.
He said, “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 (Portable) stay off the show altogether.
“He was the only one unable to perform on the list. It is an unfortunate situation but as a professional management outfit, security comes first. This is the reason he couldn’t perform. We hope that the matter will be resolved as soon as possible.”
The event has since sparked a flood of reactions from social media users.
@KarenSpikes wrote, “So Portable really thought he was going to go Scot free and he would really perform at Taiye Currency’s show….Ibadan lo mo – O mo Layipo!!
“You really think Ibadan is Lagos and you would get away with your BS.”
@TheAdukeIbadan commented, “Ìbàdàn lo mọ̀, o ò mọ láyípo. As of this morning, na only Portable fit translate this proverb.”
@Ahfo_ added, “Portable go need beg Ibadan people because anywhere on sight in that location, na mending for am.”
@nuclearpr_ posted, “Portable go come online come make mouth o. Hand don touch am well for Ibadan.”
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