Nigerian controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has launched a scathing attack against skit maker Ijoba Lande following his unexpected reconciliation with actor Baba Tee, the man who admitted to having an affair with Ijoba Lande’s wife, Dara.
The “Zazoo Zeh” hitmaker took to Instagram on March 19, 2025, expressing outrage over a viral video showing Ijoba Lande not only forgiving Baba Tee but also prostrating before him—a sign of deep respect in Yoruba culture. The reconciliation has sparked intense debate across Nigerian social media, with Portable’s fiery reaction adding fuel to an already inflammatory situation.
Wondo iyawo Eh You dey Snap picture say Thank you 😀,” wrote Portable in his characteristic blunt style, roughly translating to questioning why someone would be taking friendly pictures with the man who had an affair with his wife.
The drama began when Ijoba Lande publicly accused Baba Tee of having an intimate relationship with his wife Dara. Rather than denying the allegations, Baba Tee made the unusual move of acknowledging the affair, subsequently issuing multiple public apologies for his actions. What shocked many observers was not just Baba Tee’s admission, but Ijoba Lande’s decision to publicly reconcile with him.
In the reconciliation video that triggered Portable’s outburst, the two men were seen embracing warmly, with Ijoba Lande taking the extraordinary step of prostrating before Baba Tee—a traditional Yoruba gesture typically reserved for showing respect to elders or seeking forgiveness, not something generally expected from the wronged party in such a situation.
Speaking predominantly in Yoruba in his video response, Portable did not mince words, calling Ijoba Lande a “big fool” for befriending someone who had violated his marriage. The singer questioned Ijoba Lande’s manhood and dignity, suggesting that instead of confronting Baba Tee about the affair, the skit maker chose to leverage the situation for social media content and possible financial gain.
How can a man prostrate for someone who slept with his wife? Is this what our entertainment industry has become?” Portable ranted in his typical animated fashion. “You’re creating content with the same man who disrespected your marriage? What kind of man are you?”
Portable further alleged that Ijoba Lande had been attempting to reach out to him through direct messages, presumably seeking his support or collaboration, a move Portable clearly viewed with disdain given the circumstances.
The situation has highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between personal life crises and entertainment content in Nigeria’s social media landscape. Many commentators have questioned whether Ijoba Lande’s reconciliation with Baba Tee was a genuine act of forgiveness or a calculated move to capitalize on the scandal for views and relevance.
Entertainment analyst Folarin Adeyemi noted, “What we’re seeing is the commodification of personal trauma for public consumption. The question becomes whether these reconciliations are genuine or simply performance art designed to extend the shelf life of a scandal.”
Portable’s intervention in the matter reflects his self-appointed role as a moral critic within the Nigerian entertainment space, despite his own controversial past. Known for speaking his mind regardless of consequences, Portable has previously inserted himself into various industry disputes, often positioning himself as a voice of raw, unfiltered truth.
The singer’s comments have divided public opinion. Some social media users applauded Portable for calling out what they see as Ijoba Lande’s lack of self-respect, while others criticized him for interfering in a matter that had seemingly been resolved between the parties directly involved.
“Portable is right this time. How can you be friends with the man who slept with your wife? This is beyond forgiveness,” wrote one Twitter user.
Another countered, “If Ijoba Lande has found it in his heart to forgive, who is Portable to judge? Some people just love drama too much.
The saga has also raised questions about the state of Ijoba Lande’s marriage to Dara. Neither Ijoba Lande nor his wife has publicly addressed the current status of their relationship, leaving fans speculating about whether the marriage has survived the infidelity and subsequent public exposure.
Cultural commentator Dr. Bolanle Ogunwale suggests that the public nature of this reconciliation represents a troubling trend: “Traditional African conflict resolution often involved community elders and private reconciliation rituals. What we’re seeing now is the commercialization of forgiveness, where personal trauma becomes public entertainment.”
Baba Tee has remained silent since the reconciliation video went viral, neither responding to Portable’s comments nor offering further explanation for his participation in the public makeup session with Ijoba Lande.
As the story continues to develop, it underscores the increasingly complex relationship between Nigerian entertainers’ personal lives and their public personas. In an industry where controversy often translates to visibility, the boundaries between genuine personal crises and manufactured drama for public consumption continue to erode.
Whether Ijoba Lande will respond to Portable’s criticism remains to be seen, but the controversy has certainly succeeded in keeping all three entertainers firmly in the public eye—for better or worse.
