For being the subject of an
investigation relating to criminal activities, organizers of The Headies
awards on Tuesday evening disqualified singer Habeeb Okikiola, aka
Portable, from its 15th edition scheduled to hold later this year.
The organizers also cited a
claim that he’s the founder of ‘One million Boys’, a suspected cult group in
Lagos, as another ground for disqualification.
Reacting to the news of his
disqualification, the controversial singer in an Instagram video called the
award organizer’s bluff.
“I am a child of light. I have
fame, I have money, I have cars, I have wives, I have children. I am rich.
People know me everywhere. I don’t regret my actions”, the singer said in a
video while being caressed by his new wife.
Since Portable achieved celebrity
status, he has always been in the news for several notorious reasons.
Portable was nominated in the
‘Best Street Artist’ and ‘Rookie of the Year categories of the awards alongside
Av, Fave, Magixx, and Ugocci.
In a statement from The
Headies secretariat, the organizers assured the Nigerian music audience of its
commitment to promoting talents and individuals of exemplary character in the
best interest of society.
“We regret to announce that
following numerous indicting statements made by Mr Habeeb Okikiola, popularly
known as “Portable”, and the incessant negative attention that Mr. Okikiola has
garnered from the Nigeria Police and the general public in recent times, the
organizers of the Headies have resolved to disqualify Mr Okikiola as a nominee
at the forthcoming 15th Headies Awards,” the statement reads.