Segun Atanda/
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, finds himself in hot water after a violent confrontation with Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) officials at his Odogwu Bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Sango-Ota.
The clash, which reportedly involved physical assault and mob action, has brought allegations and counterclaims to light.
The conflict began when OGPDPA officials, as part of a routine inspection, visited the area to audit planning permits and issue notices for illegal structures.
Portable, who had previously mocked the agency in an Instagram video, referring to himself as the “town planner,” escalated tensions by berating and intimidating the officials during an earlier visit.
When the agents returned to serve a notice of illegal structure at Odogwu Bar, they met Portable’s father, who promised to inform his son. However, events took a chaotic turn when Portable arrived with his associates on motorcycles, accusing the officials of harassment.
Eyewitnesses reported that Portable and his group assaulted the agents, with the singer personally slapping one of them. As the agents tried to leave, Portable allegedly blocked their vehicle, inciting further violence.
The officials eventually sought refuge at a nearby petrol station, where they were pelted with stones until police intervened, dispersing the mob and rescuing the agents.
In the aftermath, Portable took to Instagram to share his side of the story.
He accused the OGPDPA of sealing his uncompleted building and bar unfairly and detaining over 20 of his workers and customers. He claimed that items, including drinks from his bar, were confiscated during the operation.
“Why will they seal my property, which I use to feed my family? They took drinks, cars, bikes, and even people’s phones,” Portable lamented. “This place is not just a bar; it’s where I promote events and help people. I’ve provided electricity and even called the government to fix roads here. Why are they doing this to me?”
Portable denied initiating the violence, claiming his actions were in self-defense against what he described as an unjust government operation.
Following the clash, the police arrested several suspects, including members of Portable’s group. Vehicles and other items were confiscated as evidence.
Investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in the assault.
The Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority has yet to respond to Portable’s allegations.
This latest controversy adds to Portable’s history of legal and social disputes, keeping the self-styled “Zazu crooner” in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
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