The Ogun State government has strongly condemned the actions of Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, for his recent attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties in the state.
The state government described Portable as an unrepentant rascal and a serial dissident who has repeatedly engaged in violent confrontations with officials. This latest incident, according to the government, further confirms his disregard for the law and his tendency for violent misconduct.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, condemned Portable's unruly behavior and his history of assaulting government officials without any provocation. Akinmade emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.
According to Akinmade, the recent attack, allegedly orchestrated by Portable and a group of accomplices, targeted government officials who were on an official assignment in the Iyana-Ilogbo area of the state. He described the act as both “unacceptable and barbaric,” stating that such indecent behavior must be addressed according to the legal framework of the state.
In his words, “We are profoundly taken aback by the unpleasant and uncivil act of the Hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, on Wednesday in the Iyana-Ilogbo area of the state, where his bar is located.”
“The manner in which Portable and some set of miscreants he employed carried out this dastardly act, attacking the officials of the OGPDPA, is not only bizarre but also a clear indication of the erosion of the Omoluabi ethos in these individuals. It is indeed a great disgrace to the state.”
Akinmade further stressed that Governor Dapo Abiodun has strongly condemned this primitive and indecent act, reiterating that the Ogun State government will ensure that any individual who violates the law will face the full consequences, regardless of their social status or influence.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that on Thursday, nine of Portable’s proteges were arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta. The arraignment was carried out by the Ogun State Police Command following allegations that these individuals had assaulted officers of the Ota Zonal Planning office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The state government has vowed to take further legal action to prevent such unlawful behavior from being repeated. Authorities have also issued a stern warning that any individual or group attempting to obstruct government operations through violence or intimidation will face serious legal repercussions.