Headies Disqualifies Portable Over Involvement With Deadliest Cult Groups

Organisers of The Headies, have disqualified Habeeb Okikiola, the controversial singer better known as Portable, from this year’s edition of its awards.

On May 24, Portable was nominated in the ‘Best Street Artist’ and ‘Rookie of the Year’ categories.

It would be recalled that the singer claimed to be the founder of ‘One million Boys’, a suspected cult group in Lagos.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the organisers said Portable was disqualified because he is a subject of an investigation relating to criminal activities.

“We regret to announce that following numerous indicting statements made by Mr Habeeb Okikiola, popularly knowns as “Portable”, and the incessant negative attention that Mr Okikiola has garnered from the Nigeria Police and the general public in recent times, the organisers of the Headies have resolved to disqualify Mr Okikiola as a nominee at the forthcoming 15th Headies Awards,” the statement reads.

“The decision to disqualify him is accentuated by a series of misdemeanours by Mr Okikiola via his social media platforms. On the 25th of May, 2022, he threatened to kill, harm, or cause harm to the other nominees in the same categories of awards he was nominated for, if he does not emerge the winner, precisely.

“Smooth Promotions Limited, the organisers of the Headies Awards is a law-abiding and responsible organization that abhors any form of violence, unlawful or activities ravaging our society.

“We shall not condone reckless and uncouth statements from artists and hereby, disassociate ourselves from any individual linked to such assembly or activities including Mr Okikiola’s prospects, as long as these acts are sufficiently linked to him as described.

“The music industry demands all-around excellence. It is extremely important for young artists to be potential role models to exude professional responsibility, proper decorum and respect for others.

“Being subject of an investigation relating to criminal activities, Mr Habeeb Okikiola is hereby, disqualified from both categories of awards Annual Headies Awards scheduled to hold later this year namely: Best Street Artist and Rookie of the Year.”

However, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has called for the singer’s investigation after he publicly claimed to be the founder of cult groups terrorizing Lagosians.