Entertainment
Portable Apologizes to Ogun State Government, Seeks Divine Intervention

By Abigail Philip David
Controversial street singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has publicly apologized to the Ogun State government following recent legal troubles.
For weeks, the singer has been entangled in a dispute with the Ogun State Police Command, which declared him wanted on charges of conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, public disturbance, and attempted murder. The allegations stemmed from claims that he recruited armed thugs to carry out attacks.
In response, Portable initially denied the accusations, claiming they were an attempt to bring him down. He challenged the police to present evidence and labeled them as unjust.
However, in a recent Instagram post, the singer shifted his tone, praying for divine intervention. He pleaded with God to turn his struggles into blessings, protect his family, and send him a helper. Expressing remorse, Portable admitted that fear drove him to flee.
“Ogun State Government, I’m sorry. It was fear that made me run. Thank God the police are our friends and family. God is everywhere—please forgive me. I believe in You. Any disappointment is a blessing,” he wrote.
Earlier this month, Portable had a heated clash with authorities after the government sealed his unfinished building and hotel over illegal development without proper approval. The incident led to the detention of some of his workers and customers.
Following the ordeal, he canceled his London show, citing the need to protect his family and properties. Over the weekend, he expressed frustration, lamenting that despite his contributions to Ogun State, he felt unappreciated.
In a desperate appeal, Portable even called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on his behalf, urging him to plead with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. He claimed that his troubles were politically motivated, stemming from his support for a political figure, Yayi.
Despite the controversy, the singer remains hopeful, relying on faith to navigate his challenges.
Entertainment
‘Your papa no try,’ Eedris Abdulkareem tells Seyi Tinubu in new protest song

Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist Eedris Abdulkareem has released a fiery new protest song titled “Tell Your Papa,” calling on Seyi Tinubu to speak to his father, President Bola Tinubu, about the worsening state of the country.
The track, which was shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, delivers a hard-hitting critique of Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges. Abdulkareem uses his signature lyrical style to channel the frustrations of many Nigerians who are grappling with rising inflation, insecurity, and unfulfilled political promises.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps, referencing his earlier hit song “Jaga Jaga” which similarly condemned political and social decay.
The song comes on the heels of Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he hailed his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history”—a statement that sparked strong reactions online.
In the track, Abdulkareem accuses the President of abandoning campaign promises and being disconnected from the realities on the ground. He challenges Seyi directly:
“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
The outspoken artist goes on to criticize the privilege and detachment of Nigeria’s political elite:
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
Known for using music as a tool for activism, Abdulkareem’s latest release adds to his long-standing tradition of confronting authority and championing the plight of ordinary citizens.
The song has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising the musician’s courage and raw delivery.
Entertainment
Full list: Adedimeji Lateef, Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Chukwuka, others nominated for AMVCA 2025
Entertainment
Why I won’t sign up-and-coming artistes – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no plans to sign upcoming artists, citing the stress and responsibility involved in managing musicians. Instead, she aims to create an ecosystem where African artists can thrive independently.
Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa on Thursday, Savage explained that handling artists can be overwhelming. “Everyone always asks me, ‘When will you sign an artiste?’ I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artiste, because artistes are stressful. I could just be sleeping, and then I will wake up and my artist is trending for something else,” she said.
Rather than signing musicians, Savage is focused on launching a music school that will equip artists with the skills they need before signing with record labels that can properly support them.
She also emphasized the importance of African artists building their own industry instead of seeking validation abroad. “Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into,” she said, highlighting the need for infrastructure, affordable data, and investment in Africa’s entertainment industry.
Beyond music, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker is expanding her portfolio, having made her executive producer debut in 2024 with Water and Garri. Looking ahead, she is setting her sights on greater ambitions. “I want to go into my mogul era – billionaire Tiwa Savage,” she declared.