Nigerian controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has once again found himself at the center of public attention following an unexpected encounter that quickly turned into viral content across social media platforms.
The “Zazoo Zeh” hitmaker became the subject of ridicule when an unidentified passenger traveling in a commercial tricycle, commonly known as “Keke” or “Maruwa” in Nigeria, spotted the singer driving his Mercedes-Benz with the windows rolled down. The passenger seized the opportunity to record the moment, mockingly questioning why the celebrated artist wasn’t using his vehicle’s air conditioning system.
Una celeb no fit on AC,” the passenger can be heard saying in the video, which roughly translates to “Your celebrity cannot afford to turn on air conditioning.” The comment, delivered with unmistakable derision, appeared aimed at suggesting that despite Portable’s flamboyant lifestyle and luxury vehicle, he might be cutting corners on basic comforts like air conditioning.
The brief footage shows Portable, who appeared to be smoking while driving, noticing that he was being recorded from the passing tricycle. Upon realizing he was being filmed, the singer briefly glanced toward the camera before accelerating away from the scene. The video captured additional concerns for some viewers, who noted that the artist appeared to be smoking what some speculated might be cannabis while operating his vehicle.
The passenger’s attempt to mock the singer has ironically backfired across social media platforms, with many users pointing out the irony of someone using public transportation criticizing a car owner’s choices. The incident has ignited a heated debate about respect, social status, and the increasingly invasive nature of celebrity culture in Nigeria.
Twitter user @midemyr captured the sentiment of many when they wrote: “You dey inside korope dey talk say person wey dey inside him car no on AC…. People dey mad ooo.” This comment highlights the perceived absurdity of someone in a less comfortable form of transportation criticizing the comfort choices of someone in a luxury vehicle.
Another user, @hess_smart_, echoed this sentiment with more explicit ridicule: “You Dey inside Maruwa you Dey video who Dey inside Benz wey no get AC … Allegedly oh 😂,” emphasizing the contrast between the passenger’s mode of transportation and their target of criticism.
The incident touches on several social dynamics prevalent in contemporary Nigerian society. First is the increasingly normalized practice of ordinary citizens recording celebrities in public spaces without consent, often with the hope that such content will go viral and potentially generate income through social media engagement. This phenomenon has raised concerns about privacy and respect for public figures, regardless of their controversial status.
Social commentator Adebayo Oluwaseun notes that the incident reflects broader issues in Nigerian celebrity culture. “What we’re seeing is the contradiction in how we treat public figures. On one hand, there’s admiration and aspiration toward their lifestyle, but simultaneously, there’s a desire to catch them in moments that might diminish their status or make them seem less than their public persona suggests.”
The backlash against the passenger has been swift and nearly unanimous, with many social media users pointing out the hypocrisy of the situation. @FowobiofLagos posed the question directly: “Why you sef no dey inside your personal car or uber?” challenging the passenger’s standing to criticize someone else’s travel choices when they themselves were using public transportation.
User @PepePeter184072 succinctly described the situation as “Hypocrisy Shaming from public transport,” capturing the sentiment of many who viewed the passenger’s actions as misplaced judgment.
Beyond the immediate controversy, some observers have expressed concern about Portable’s apparent smoking while driving, with user @seunbo commenting: “Smoking Igbo is not even an offence again in Nigeria, see how he’s publicly displaying that,” referring to cannabis consumption, which remains illegal in Nigeria despite increasingly relaxed attitudes toward it in some circles.
However, others have defended the singer’s right to live as he chooses, with @MyBMWM8_ advocating: “lol make we leave this guy alone. He’s enjoying his life and living his life the way he wants.”
Portable, known for his quick and often explosive responses to public criticism, has yet to address the incident directly. The singer has built a reputation not only for his music but for his unfiltered reactions to provocations, often taking to social media to deliver animated responses to those who criticize him.
Many fans and followers are now watching his social media accounts in anticipation of what could be another characteristically fiery response. The singer’s previous confrontations with critics have generated significant engagement and often spawned new controversies of their own.
Cultural analyst Funmi Adewale suggests that this incident reflects a broader pattern in how celebrities and the public interact in the digital age. There’s a parasocial relationship developing where ordinary citizens feel entitled to comment on or criticize celebrities’ most mundane choices. At the same time, this creates a content ecosystem where both the initial criticism and the celebrity’s response become entertainment products consumed by the public.
As the video continues to circulate across platforms, it serves as yet another example of how the boundaries between public and private life have eroded in the age of smartphones and social media. For celebrities like Portable, who have built their brand partly on controversy and public attention, such incidents are double-edged swords—simultaneously invasive yet providing additional opportunities for visibility and engagement with their audience.
Whether Portable will leverage this incident for further publicity or dismiss it as unworthy of response remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that in Nigeria’s vibrant social media landscape, the line between observer and participant in celebrity culture continues to blur, creating new dynamics in how fame is both experienced and consumed.
