Nigerian street-hop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has come to the defence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, amid ongoing public reactions to her recent remarks popularly referred to online as the “Akara” comment.
Speaking during a podcast interview, the controversial musician argued that the First Lady’s statement had been taken out of context by critics seeking to tarnish her image.
According to Portable, there was nothing offensive or inappropriate about what Oluremi Tinubu said. He maintained that only a short portion of the original video circulated on social media, creating a misleading impression and fueling unnecessary criticism.
“The problem is that people only shared part of the video,” Portable said during the discussion. “They wanted to discredit her, but if you watch the full conversation, you’ll understand what she meant.”
The singer insisted that the controversy surrounding the remarks was driven more by selective editing and online narratives than by the substance of the First Lady’s comments.
During the podcast, Portable also offered advice to aspiring entertainers and entrepreneurs, urging them to leverage their public image for financial success.
He remarked, “Use your brand to build your bank,” emphasizing the importance of turning popularity into sustainable wealth through business opportunities and personal branding.
The statement quickly gained traction on social media, with many users praising the singer for what they described as a surprisingly thoughtful and business-minded perspective.
Portable’s comments generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing admiration for the message behind his advice despite his often controversial public persona.
Several users noted that the singer’s statement highlighted the importance of monetising influence and maintaining a strong personal brand, while others remarked that his comments demonstrated a level of business awareness that is sometimes overlooked because of his unconventional lifestyle and outspoken personality.
Although Portable has frequently made headlines for his controversial actions and public disputes, some social media users argued that his latest remarks reflected a practical understanding of branding, entrepreneurship and public perception.
The debate has since added another dimension to the online discussions surrounding the First Lady’s remarks, with attention shifting from the original controversy to Portable’s unexpected contribution to the conversation.
