Nigerian street-pop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, widely known by his stage name Portable, marked another milestone in his journey as his wives and partners took to social media to celebrate the controversial artist’s birthday with heartfelt tributes and declarations of love.
The “Zazu Zeh” hitmaker, whose meteoric rise to fame has been punctuated by both musical achievements and public controversies, became the center of attention as the women in his life competed to express their affection through elaborate social media posts.
Leading the birthday celebrations was his wife Bewaji, who shared nostalgic throwback photographs documenting their relationship journey. Her tribute captured the complexity of their bond while emphasizing her unwavering support despite the singer’s often turbulent public persona.
Happy birthday to you, okikiola. May God bless you with happiness, love and good health for your year ahead. May you be blessed for this year ahead. As you celebrate another year of life, may God’s blessings shine upon you. Happy Birthday to my favourite person in the world,” Bewaji wrote, blessing the father of her two children with prayers for prosperity and continued success.
Not to be outdone, Portable’s girlfriend and baby mama Ashabi Simple, a Yoruba actress who has become increasingly visible in the singer’s public life, echoed similar sentiments in her own celebratory post. Like Bewaji, she referred to the musician as her “favorite person,” suggesting a harmonious dynamic between the women who share Portable’s affections.
“Finally, today is my favorite birthday please, lovers, kindly say a word of prayer for him. Bobo mi, I wish you more years of good health, peace & fame. GOD won’t forsake you. I love you then, I love you now & pray to love you forever. HAPPY BIRTHDAY OKIKIOLAMI,” Ashabi wrote, calling on her followers to join in celebrating the controversial entertainer.
The actress’s enthusiasm for Portable’s special day was evident even before the actual date arrived. A week prior to his birthday, Ashabi had already begun the celebrations, sharing photos of the artist accompanied by heartfelt prayers that revealed her anticipation for the occasion.
These public displays of affection offer a glimpse into the unconventional family structure that has become characteristic of Portable’s personal life. Currently, the singer maintains a relationship with his wife Bewaji, who has given birth to two of his children, while simultaneously nurturing romantic connections with other women who have also borne him children.
In total, Portable is father to six children from four different women – a complex family arrangement that mirrors the unpredictable and boundary-pushing nature of his public persona. His first child came from a relationship with a woman whose identity remains largely private. His second baby mama, identified only as Keji, maintains a lower profile compared to Bewaji and Ashabi, who have embraced their connections to the controversial star more publicly.
Ashabi Simple has emerged as particularly prominent among Portable’s romantic partners, having given birth to two of his children while building her own career in the Nigerian film industry. Her willingness to celebrate her relationship with the singer despite its non-traditional nature reflects the evolving dynamics of celebrity relationships in contemporary Nigerian society.
The birthday celebrations come during a period of continued professional growth for Portable, whose unorthodox path to fame began when his breakout hit “Zazu Zeh” featuring dancer Poco Lee and rapper Olamide catapulted him from obscurity to nationwide recognition. Since then, his career has been characterized by a series of hit songs, high-profile collaborations, and frequent controversies that have kept him firmly in the public eye.
Known for his eccentric fashion choices, unpredictable public statements, and occasional feuds with other entertainment industry figures, Portable has cultivated an image as a rebellious outsider in Nigeria’s music scene. This rebellious spirit extends to his personal life, where he has openly embraced a non-traditional family structure that challenges conventional expectations.
Despite the controversies that frequently surround him, the birthday tributes from the women in his life highlight a different dimension of the artist – one where he is appreciated as a partner and father rather than merely a controversial public figure. The consistent theme across their messages was one of prayer and spiritual blessing, reflecting the strong role that faith plays in these relationships despite their unconventional nature.
Cultural observers note that Portable’s family arrangement, while potentially controversial to some, reflects certain historical practices in parts of Nigerian society. Multiple partnership arrangements, while less common in contemporary urban settings, have historical precedents in various Nigerian cultures – though typically within more formalized structures than Portable’s seemingly fluid arrangements.
What makes Portable’s situation particularly notable is the apparent harmony between his partners, at least as presented through their social media portrayals. The similar language used by both Bewaji and Ashabi – particularly their identical description of him as their “favorite person” – suggests either a coordinated approach to their public communications or a genuine shared appreciation for their common partner.
As Portable celebrates another year of his eventful life, the public expressions of love from his partners provide a counterbalance to the controversies that often define his public image. These birthday tributes showcase a more intimate side of the artist, one where he is valued not for his stage antics or viral moments, but for his role as a partner and father in a uniquely structured family unit.
For fans of the controversial singer, these glimpses into his personal life add another layer of complexity to an artist who has consistently defied easy categorization since his dramatic entrance into Nigeria’s competitive music industry.
