The Onitigbo of Tigbo-Ilu Land, in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Olabode Thomas-Fagbayi, has revealed why controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, A.K.A Portable, was conferred with a chieftaincy title.
The traditional ruler said his opinion of the Zaazu crooner changed after meeting him, describing him as a respectful, and responsible individual.
Portable on Monday shared photos and videos of his coronation on his social media, on Monday, saying he will now be known and addressed as “Chief Amuludun of Tigbo, Aworiland.”
The singer declared that God made it possible for him ever to become a chief.
The ceremony coincided with the annual Tigbo Day, which saw Abass Akande Obesere perform and eulogise Portable at the occasion.
Netizens have queried the actions of the monarch for conferring a chieftaincy title on Portable who is known for ‘notoriety’ in his words and actions.
Explaining his action, Fagbayi said, “I visited a school in my domain where I have gotten a report of misbehaviour among the pupils and students of the school. So, I went to the school to talk briefly with them. It was there that I was told that somebody called Portable was passing through my domain and was throwing money at people, and in the process, many got injured.
“Because of that, I summoned him to my palace, and he came twice, but I wasn’t at the palace when he came. So, one day, I was walking on the road, and I saw him driving; I called for him, and he immediately came with his boys, and they all prostrated on the road.”
The monarch also said the singer has his roots in Tigbo town and is well behaved.
“His mum is from Tigbo, and he too lives here; he presented himself as a responsible person, and we take him as that. Some people might have reservations about him, but even at that, he is our son.”
The monarch added that the singer had also shown readiness to be part of the celebration of ‘Tigbo day’.
Thomas-Fagbayi, however, debunked social media claims that he was paid to honour the famous artist and insisted that he is a monarch whom “God has blessed.”
