Controversy Trails Installation of ‘Portable’ as “King of Street”

…….Oba of Iselu Kingdom expresses disappointment

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Akintunde AKINYEMI, JP, FCIMN, has expressed disappointment over the installation of musician Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, as “King of Street” by the Olu of Itori Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo.

In an open letter, Oba AKINYEMI described the title as “absolutely unknown” in Yoruba Land and called for its reversal to prevent chaos, ValidViewNetwork reports.

The disappointed argued that the title could be interpreted as “King of all Streets” in the state, which is unacceptable.

“The title ‘King of Street’ which Olu Itori gave the controversial musician at His Majesty’s 21st Coronation Anniversary is absolutely an unknown title in all palaces of Yoruba Land, so giving such a title to honour any personality is not only illegal, but a call for chaos if not reversed.

Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain.

Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom”, the statement read.

Furthermore, Oba Akinyemi questioned the decision to install Portable.

“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed so as to prevent any problems in the State and beyond.

Apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a Chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State”.

Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreck more havoc. An effort that will make the musician to live a better life is what is necessary.

The statement read further “In fact, the unruly self-made kings in the fuji industry have caused lots of divisions among themselves which is entirely different from the love and good legacy the pioneers left behind”

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“Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives”, the monarch asserted.

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom advised Oba Alamo to revoke the title, “My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Okikiola Akamo, Olu Itori should revoke the title given to the controversial musician and advocate for a rebranding of the musician so that he can abandon his shenanigans and reckless life style.

Rebranding will make the musician to turn a new leaf and go higher in his musical career. The title does not belong to us as Monarchs, so revoking it will remove the stigmatization which the title has been having on the Traditional Institution.

Oba Akinyemi also drew the attention of Chaiman of Ogun state council of Obas and chiefs to the illegal installation.

“In conclusion, I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the Chairman of 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 the untraditional and illegal installation done by Olu Itori.

Chairman sir, may your years on the throne be very long. Kindly use your revered office to request Olu Itori to correct the anomaly he has created, as this effort will remove any blemish that the controversial installation has had on our respected Institution”.