Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has sparked yet another round of debate with his recent remarks about fellow artist Zlatan Ibile. In an interview with Echo Room, Portable described Zlatan as an "up-and-coming artist," asserting that wealthy individuals are largely unfamiliar with his songs.
The street-hop singer revealed that during a conversation with a car dealer, he was advised against engaging in a feud with Zlatan. According to Portable, the dealer dismissed Zlatan’s relevance, suggesting that the rapper was merely trying to gain attention by associating with him.
“Zlatan is still an up-and-coming artist,” Portable claimed. “A man I bought a car from told me not to waste my time responding to him. He said Zlatan wanted to use my name to chase clout. He even admitted that he had only recently started hearing his name and wasn’t familiar with his songs.”
Expanding on his point, Portable criticized some artists' music, stating that many of them fail to create relatable songs that resonate with affluent individuals.
“A lot of these so-called musicians have songs that don’t appeal to wealthy people,” he continued. “What are they even singing? Is that music? Can they even do a simple call and response? Are they joking?”
Beyond his ongoing industry feuds, Portable also addressed the public perception of his mental state. The singer, who was recently detained and arraigned in court over allegations of conspiracy and assault against officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, spoke about how he used the experience to change people's misconceptions about him.
He disclosed that during his time in police custody, he was offered the position of cell leader by the existing head but declined, explaining that the cell was not his permanent residence.
“When I was detained, the leader of the cell voluntarily stepped down for me to take charge, but I refused,” Portable explained. “I told them, ‘This is not my house.’ I also asked him why he was in custody, and he said he was accused of murder. I told him, ‘As long as you didn’t kill me, you can sit beside me.’”
The singer also shed light on the harsh realities of prison life, revealing that new detainees are often subjected to beatings. However, he claimed that he was able to avoid such treatment by offering financial assistance to his fellow inmates in Cell 4.
“Normally, they beat new people in the cell,” he said. “But when I got there, I blessed them. That changed everything. People started respecting me.”
Portable further recalled a peculiar moment when some inmates attempted to engage him in prayers. However, he refused to join them, arguing that their collective prayers could not be effective given their differing circumstances.
“A few of them wanted us to pray together,” he recounted. “I told them, ‘No, God doesn’t answer these kinds of prayers. This is not a church.’ Some of them confessed to committing serious crimes—one said he had killed one person, another admitted to two, and another to three. I told them, ‘I haven’t killed anyone, so our prayers can’t work together. Everyone should pray on their own.’”
Portable’s bold statements and unfiltered opinions have continued to fuel conversations within the Nigerian entertainment industry. His remarks about Zlatan Ibile have particularly raised eyebrows, with fans and industry insiders divided on whether his criticism was justified. While some agree with his assessment of the music industry, others believe that his constant clashes with fellow artists only serve to stir controversy rather than contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Zlatan Ibile, on the other hand, has yet to respond to Portable’s comments. Known for his energetic performances and street-inspired music, Zlatan has built a strong fan base over the years and remains a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. His signature dance moves and unique sound have endeared him to many, despite Portable’s claims that he is not widely recognized by the elite.
Meanwhile, Portable’s legal troubles continue to be a point of discussion. His recent run-in with the law has only added to his already controversial persona, with many questioning his approach to handling conflicts. Some believe that his unapologetic nature and fearless attitude are part of what makes him stand out, while others argue that he should exercise more caution in his public statements and interactions.
Despite the controversies, Portable remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s street-hop genre. His music, often characterized by raw energy and streetwise storytelling, resonates with a large audience, particularly among young people in urban and suburban areas. His ability to stay in the spotlight—whether through music or controversy—demonstrates his understanding of how to navigate the entertainment industry in an era dominated by social media and viral moments.
As the drama unfolds, fans and observers alike are eager to see how Zlatan will respond, if at all, and whether Portable’s latest remarks will lead to yet another high-profile clash in the Nigerian music scene.
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