Portable’s chieftaincy title sparks controversy among Ogun kings

By Tosin Brown

The Eselu of Iselu in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Akintunde Akinyemi, has expressed disappointment over the recent conferment of the title “King of the Street” on singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, by the Olu of Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo.

In an open letter, Oba Akinyemi criticized the chieftaincy title, insisting that the singer should not be encouraged with such recognition due to his history of unruly behavior and unlawful activities.

He also urged Oba Akamo to revoke the title while calling on the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, to address what he described as an untraditional and illegitimate installation by the Olu of Itori.

Full open letter

AN OPEN LETTER ON THE INSTALLATION OF A MUSICIAN, HABEEB OKIKIOLA BADMUS, POPULARLY CALLED PORTABLE, AS “KING OF THE STREET” BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OBA ABDULFATAI AKOREDE AKAMO, THE OLU OF ITORI IN EWEKORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE

I, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Akintunde Akinyemi, JP, FCIMN, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, write this open letter to express my disappointment over the installation of controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly called Portable, as “King of the Street” by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, the Olu of Itori Kingdom in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The title “King of the Street,” which the Olu of Itori conferred upon the controversial musician during His Majesty’s 21st Coronation Anniversary, is entirely unknown in Yoruba traditional institutions. Granting such a title not only lacks legitimacy but could also create unnecessary disorder if not revoked. The phrase “King of the Street” could be misinterpreted as a claim to authority over all streets in the state, which is unacceptable. The Olu of Itori should have limited the title to his domain, such as “King of Itori Street,” to clarify that its scope does not extend beyond his kingdom.

Every street in Ogun State has its leadership structures, and this generalization of the title “King of the Street” should be reversed to prevent any potential disputes within the state and beyond.

Beyond the inappropriateness of the title itself, the decision to install Portable as a chief was poorly considered due to the singer’s history of unruly and questionable behavior. He is currently facing trial in a competent court in Ogun State, and awarding him a chieftaincy title seems to endorse his misconduct rather than encourage him to reform. Efforts should be directed toward helping him improve his life rather than rewarding his notoriety.

Furthermore, the self-proclaimed “kings” in the fuji music industry have already created divisions among themselves, which contradicts the unity and legacy left behind by their predecessors. Portable is one of such self-proclaimed figures who need proper guidance and refinement.

Once again, I strongly advise His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, the Olu of Itori, to revoke this title and instead advocate for the rebranding of the musician. Encouraging him to embrace a more responsible lifestyle would be far more beneficial to his career than conferring an inappropriate chieftaincy title upon him. Revoking the title would also preserve the dignity of the traditional institution and prevent any further damage to its reputation.

In conclusion, I call on the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, to intervene and address this untraditional and improper installation by the Olu of Itori. Sir, may your reign be long and prosperous. Kindly use your esteemed office to ensure that the Olu of Itori rectifies this misstep, as doing so will help uphold the integrity of our revered institution.

Thank you.

HRM (Dr) Akintunde Akinyemi, JP, FCIMN
The Eselu of Iselu