Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, is once again at the center of controversy following a disturbing incident that has gone viral online.
A video emerged last week showing the street-pop artist slapping a man who was reportedly preaching outside his bar in Sango Ota, Ogun State. The footage has triggered a wave of backlash, with netizens condemning Portable’s aggressive actions and reigniting conversations about his often controversial public behavior.
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The incident occurred on a morning, when Portable went live on Instagram, visibly upset as he confronted the preacher, who appeared to be holding a Bible. In the video, the enraged singer questions the man, “Why disturb my customers on a Monday morning?” before slapping him. He continued, “This is how they spoil my business and disturb my business. Are you crazy? Early on a Monday, you’re spoiling my business. I had prayed for myself before leaving home,” he said, before demanding that the preacher leave the premises.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing condemnation from various quarters. Many expressed concern over the singer’s increasingly erratic and violent behavior, with some calling for action to be taken against him for assaulting a preacher.
In the wake of the backlash, Portable took to social media once again, this time to ask for forgiveness on Monday, 16th September. Addressing the controversy the a video posted, the singer claimed that his actions were influenced by past negative experiences. He explained that he feared the preacher might be trying to harm him spiritually, leading to his violent reaction.
“My fans, community issues are different from that of the street. May God forgive me. I didn’t know he was a genuine man of God. If I knew, I wouldn’t have slapped him. I’m also a child of God. I’m human, I’m not perfect. I am an orphan. They have harmed my sister through this same strategy,” Portable stated, seemingly referring to a past incident that made him wary of strangers.
Despite his apology, the singer continues to face widespread criticism, with some preachers and religious leaders threatening to take legal action against him.
Click the links below to watch the video.
Portable slaps pastor: https://x.com/palndo01/status/1833437756845851130
Portable apologizes: https://x.com/TeniolaYBNL/status/1835560801693823300
