Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has launched a fierce response to accusations from social media activist Very Dark Man regarding an alleged assault incident at the recent Felabration event in Lagos. The confrontation has sparked a broader conversation about online activism, cyberbullying, and accountability in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The “Zazu” crooner, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, took to Instagram with a defiant message for his accuser, cryptically suggesting that Very Dark Man should “ask about him in Abuja” – a statement that has raised eyebrows across social media platforms. In his characteristic passionate style, Portable emphasized the distinction between online activism and real-world consequences, declaring that “online madness is different from real-life madness.”
The controversy erupted when Very Dark Man shared footage allegedly showing Portable involved in an altercation with an unidentified man in a bathroom at the Felabration event, an annual musical festival celebrating the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The social media activist called for immediate legal action and urged the alleged victim to come forward with their story.
However, Portable’s response has taken an unexpected turn, as the singer used the opportunity to position himself as an advocate against cyberbullying. In his Instagram video, he rallied his supporters with the message: “Who dey cripple-ye Awa Ọmọ who dey who dey we go cripple you who dey come dey fear only God we fear says no to ripping say no to online bullying.
The singer’s turbulent history in the entertainment industry provides crucial context for the current controversy. Since his meteoric rise to fame with his hit single “Zazu Zeh,” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee, Portable has become as well-known for his off-stage incidents as for his music. Most recently, in September 2024, he made headlines for allegedly assaulting a Pastor during a live streaming session, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation.
The altercation with the Pastor, captured during one of Portable’s live sessions, saw the singer confronting a street preacher, resulting in a physical altercation. The incident concluded with Portable proudly declaring his adherence to traditional African religious practices, adding another layer to his complex public persona.
The incident has sparked several important discussions:
1. The role of social media activism in holding celebrities accountable
2. The fine line between online advocacy and cyberbullying
3. The responsibility of public figures in managing their public image
4. The intersection of traditional and social media in shaping public discourse
Entertainment lawyer Barrister Folake Ogunleye adds perspective on the legal implications: “While social media activism plays an important role in modern society, allegations of assault must be properly investigated through legal channels rather than trial by social media. Both the accuser and the accused have rights that must be protected.”
The controversy has also highlighted the evolving nature of celebrity culture in Nigeria. Traditional artists like Portable, who rose to fame through conventional channels, now find themselves navigating a new landscape where social media activists wield significant influence over public opinion.
As the situation continues to develop, the entertainment industry and social media users watch closely to see how this clash between old-school celebrity culture and new-age digital activism will resolve. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between public figures, social media, and accountability in contemporary Nigerian society.
For now, Portable’s response and his unexpected pivot to anti-cyberbullying advocacy have added another chapter to his controversial career, while raising important questions about the nature of online activism and celebrity accountability in the digital age.
