Controversial Nigerian hip-hop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has publicly apologized to Fuji music icon King Saheed Osupa after a heated dispute over copyright infringement led to an online altercation.
The apology comes after significant backlash from fans and music lovers who criticized Portable for being disrespectful towards the legendary Fuji artist.
The Dispute: A Copyright Clash
The disagreement between Portable and Saheed Osupa began when Portable sampled a line from one of Osupa’s songs in his own track without obtaining proper permission.
This prompted Osupa’s management team to file a copyright claim, leading to the song’s removal from major streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Portable, known for his outspoken and erratic personality, did not take the takedown lightly. He took to social media to lash out at Osupa, calling him “big for nothing” and accusing him of using his influence to stifle upcoming artists. His remarks sparked an uproar, with many people condemning his lack of respect for a senior figure in the Nigerian music industry.
Portable’s Apology: A Change of Tone
Facing immense criticism from fans and industry stakeholders, Portable has now retracted his statements and issued a public apology to Saheed Osupa. In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram page, the singer acknowledged his mistake and blamed his temper for his previous outburst.
“My fans, I’m a hot-tempered person, and sometimes, I say things out of anger. I have said my mind, and I want to let it go,” Portable began in the video.
He specifically addressed Saheed Osupa, referring to him as his “father” and asking for forgiveness.
“King Saheed Osupa, Oba Orin, please don’t be offended. It was never my intention to disrespect you. It’s money that causes fights. Even between father and son, money can bring disagreements. In this case, it was music money that led to this misunderstanding.
I didn’t mean to insult you; I was only frustrated when I found out that my song had been removed from streaming platforms,” he explained.
Portable further expressed his admiration for Osupa, stating that he still sees him as a father figure and role model in the music industry.
He pleaded with the Fuji icon to forgive him and “adopt” him as a son, indicating his willingness to mend their relationship.
Reactions from Fans and the Music Industry
Following Portable’s apology, fans and music industry players have reacted with mixed opinions. Some fans appreciated his humility and willingness to own up to his mistakes, while others criticized him for always acting impulsively and apologizing only after facing public pressure.
A fan commented under the video: “Portable needs to learn to think before he speaks. This is not the first time he is getting into trouble over reckless statements.”
Another user wrote: “It’s good he apologized. Respecting legends like Saheed Osupa is important. We can’t allow the younger generation to insult pioneers of our music industry.”
Meanwhile, Osupa has yet to officially respond to the apology.
However, sources close to the Fuji artist suggest that he has taken a calm and understanding approach to the situation. Insiders claim that Osupa sees Portable’s behavior as youthful exuberance and may not hold a grudge against the younger artist.
A Pattern of Controversies
This incident is not the first time Portable has found himself at the center of controversy. Since rising to fame in 2021 with his hit song Zazu Zeh, he has been involved in multiple public feuds with fellow musicians, industry executives, and even law enforcement.
His unpredictable nature has made him a figure of both entertainment and controversy in Nigeria’s music scene.
Despite his tendency to get into trouble, Portable’s talent and raw energy continue to attract a strong fan base. However, many industry stakeholders believe that he needs to work on his attitude and learn to handle conflicts more professionally to sustain his career in the long run.
Portable’s apology to Saheed Osupa marks yet another chapter in his eventful career. While it remains to be seen whether the Fuji legend will officially acknowledge the apology, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property and maintaining professionalism in the music industry.
For now, fans are hopeful that Portable has learned a lesson from this episode and will be more mindful of his words and actions in the future.
Whether this apology leads to reconciliation or further controversy, one thing is certain: Portable remains one of the most talked-about figures in Nigerian entertainment today.
