Nollywood actress Ashabi (Omobolarinde Akinyanju) and controversial street singer Portable (Habeeb Okikiola) have long been at the center of Nigeria’s entertainment buzz, their relationship a mix of passion, public drama, and unapologetic defiance. The pair’s latest headlines stem from Ashabi’s lavish birthday celebration for Portable, a gesture that underscored their enduring bond amid a tumultuous relationship marked by infidelity, public clashes, and relentless scrutiny.
Ashabi’s Instagram post capturing her birthday surprise for Portable—a table of sumptuous meals—highlighted the couple’s defiance of societal norms. Accompanied by a heartfelt caption, she wrote, “There’s no love without actions. Words alone can’t interpret my love for you. I cherish & appreciate you, Aridunnu. Have more good years in good health, joy & peace. Only you no plan B.”
The celebration, however, wasn’t exclusive to Ashabi. Portable’s wife, Bewaji, also shared a birthday message, calling him “my favorite person” and showering him with prayers. Ashabi echoed similar sentiments, dubbing him her “favorite person” and vowing to “fix things and stay together” despite their frequent clashes.
Portable and Ashabi’s relationship has been anything but conventional. Since they went public with their romance in 2022—while Portable was still married to Bewaji—their story has been punctuated by public fights, reconciliations, and the constant glare of social media.
Ashabi, a rising star in Yoruba cinema, has been unapologetic about her love for the controversial singer, even as their relationship drew criticism. A week before his birthday, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling Portable her “blessing in disguise” and expressing unwavering love. “Though we fight, we always fix things and stay together,” she wrote, framing their relationship as a test of devotion.
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The couple’s dynamic is further complicated by their shared family life. Portable is legally married to Bewaji, with whom he has two children. He also has four children with three women: an unknown first baby mama, Keji (his second), and Ashabi, who has two children with him. This web of relationships has fueled debates about loyalty, morality, and the ethics of their public romance.
Portable’s public persona has long been defined by his rebellious edge, a trait that has both fueled his popularity and drawn criticism. In January, his confrontation with actor Odunlade Adekola highlighted his stance on loyalty. The clash arose after Adekola made a statement about his partner, which Portable interpreted as a slight. In a fiery response, Portable defended his own integrity, stating, “Everyone loves to tag me as a troublesome person when I am loyal and don’t joke about my family.”
The remark underscored Portable’s belief that his actions—whether defending his relationships or his music—are rooted in principles, even if they provoke backlash. His relationship with Ashabi, though unconventional, fits this narrative: a refusal to conform to societal expectations, even as he navigates the fallout.
Portable’s marriage to Bewaji, a traditionalist woman from his hometown, has been a source of tension. While the couple remains legally married, their relationship has evolved into a complex triad with Ashabi. Bewaji’s birthday message, while affectionate, raises questions about the nature of their union. Meanwhile, Ashabi’s role as both a romantic partner and the mother of his child complicates the narrative further.
Fans and critics alike have debated the ethics of their situation, with some condemning Portable for his marital infidelity and others praising his transparency. Ashabi, for her part, has remained defiant, framing her relationship as a genuine connection beyond societal norms.
Portable’s music, often raw and unfiltered, has always drawn from his life experiences. His hit songs like “Baba ni Oluwa” and “Oro” reflect themes of struggle, resilience, and defiance—traits mirrored in his personal journey. Ashabi, meanwhile, has leveraged her association with Portable to build her acting career, starring in films like “Lagos Market” and “Ojuju.”
Their public romance has also become a marketing tool, driving engagement for both their projects. However, the constant drama risks overshadowing their artistic contributions. Portable’s confrontations, like his clash with Adekola, further fuel the perception of him as a “troublemaker”—a label he both embraces and resents.
Despite the challenges, both Ashabi and Portable remain committed to their relationship. Her birthday gesture and his public gratitude signal a desire to move forward, even as their past looms large.
Yet, the road ahead is fraught. Portable’s legal marriage complicates their future, while public opinion remains divided. For now, their story is one of resilience—a love that defies norms, thrives on reconciliation, and refuses to be silenced.
Ashabi and Portable’s relationship is a microcosm of the Nigerian entertainment industry’s complexities: a blend of art, ambition, and raw emotion, all set against a backdrop of relentless public judgment. Whether their bond endures or fades into infamy, their story has cemented them as icons of defiance—a reminder that love, loyalty, and controversy often walk hand in hand.
As Portable once sang, “Baba ni Oluwa” (“My father is God”), his lyrics and life both reflect a belief in overcoming odds. For now, the world watches, wondering if their love will rewrite the script—or if the storm will eventually silence the music.
