Fame without wisdom: Portable’s life of reckless living, success without decency?
pannigeriannews
6 min read
By Sayo Alagbe
Power, money and fame are often seen as the ultimate rewards of success, but they also come with their own curses, complications, and troubles—especially for those who fail to navigate their slippery paths with wisdom and caution. The world has witnessed many who reached the pinnacle of success, only to crash due to arrogance, recklessness, and a lack of self-discipline. True wisdom lies not just in acquiring success but in knowing how to sustain it without losing oneself in the process.
Many people pray to God for power, wealth, and fame, believing these will grant them a life of affluence and comfort. However, they often fail to realize that behind every blessing lies a hidden burden—one that can destroy a person if not properly managed. This is the bitter reality currently playing out in the life of Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter, Abeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable. His current ordeal, if not handled wisely, could lead to his imprisonment and ultimately jeopardize his promising music career.
Portable, who once enjoyed widespread acclaim for his musical talent, has now found himself at the center of numerous controversies due to his reckless behavior and disregard for authority. Recently, the Ogun State Police Command declared him wanted following an incident that showcased his unruly character.
The incident that led to his police troubles occurred on February 5, 2025; when officers from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) were on their routine inspection in his community to identify and remove illegal structures. Instead of allowing the officials to carry out their lawful duties, Portable and his associates confronted them, mocked them, and even declared himself the “Town Planner of Sango.” His actions not only displayed arrogance but also showed blatant disregard for the law.
The officials, realizing the growing hostility of Portable and his gang, withdrew from the scene to avoid physical assault. However, the next day, when the town planning authority revisited the area to continue their work, Portable and his gang escalated their actions. They arrived at the scene on motorcycles, blocked the officials, and physically attacked them, leaving some of them injured. His defiance and refusal to honour police invitations have now placed him in a precarious situation, as law enforcement agencies are determined to bring him to justice.
Portable’s journey to stardom was remarkable. From humble beginnings, he rose to fame with his street-style music that resonated with many Nigerians. His raw energy, unique voice, and street credibility quickly earned him a place in the music industry. With endorsements from established artists like Olamide Badoo, his rise to fame was meteoric.
However, fame without discipline often leads to downfall. Instead of using his success to refine his personality and improve his craft, Portable allowed pride and arrogance to take over. He gradually began displaying erratic behaviour, picking fights with fellow artists, disrespecting industry veterans, and making reckless public statements.
One of the biggest blunders of his career was his public fallout with Olamide Badoo, the man many believe was instrumental in his rise to stardom. Olamide’s influence and altruism had opened doors for Portable in the music industry, but rather than showing gratitude, Portable severed ties with him in a very disrespectful manner. This move shocked many of his fans, as they expected him to show loyalty and appreciation rather than ingratitude.
As if his troubles were not enough, Portable further attracted public outrage when he decided to marry Queen Dammy, a former wife of the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adéyemí III.
In Yoruba, tradition, a former wife of a powerful monarch is not just any woman one can marry without adhering to specific cultural and spiritual rites. There are traditions and sacred steps that must be followed before any man can take such a woman as his wife. However, Portable, in his ignorance and youthful exuberance, overlooked these critical aspects and rushed into the marriage without seeking guidance from elders or traditional custodians.
His inability to comprehend the gravity of his actions soon led to another controversy. After a misunderstanding with Queen Dammy, he publicly disgraced her and even went as far as making derogatory remarks about the late Alaafin. He proudly declared that since he, too, was an “Oba,” he had every right to marry the former queen. His careless statement—”Oba ku, Oba ku” (which loosely translates to “A king dies, another king emerges”)—was widely seen as disrespectful to the revered monarchy.
Tjis reckless attitude has not gone unnoticed by the people of Oyo, who are now reportedly waiting for an opportunity to confront him if he ever steps into their land. In Yoruba culture, one does not toy with the institution of monarchy and expect to go unpunished.
Portable’s trouble did not stop at cultural disregard; they extend to religious insensitivity. A significant incident that added to his growing list of controversies was when he physically assaulted a prophet who visited his hotel to deliver a divine message. Instead of listening respectfully, Portable disgraced the man and had him chased away like an outcast.
Regardless of whether a prophet is fake or genuine, the wise approach is to listen respectfully and dismiss them politely if one disagrees. In many cultures, spiritual leaders are treated with respect because no one knows who might be a true messenger of God. Portable’s rash action angered many religious figures, and some believe that the curses placed upon him by these prophets are contributing to his current misfortunes.
Adding to his list of blunders, Portable once ridiculed the people of Ibadan, claiming they had no houses with modern finishing like POP ceilings but only lived in old buildings with corrugated iron roofs. His insult did not sit well with the people of Ibadan, and he is now considered an unwelcome figure in the city.
This feud reportedly began after his fallout with his estranged wife, Queen Dammy, who hails from Ibadan. His careless words have turned an entire city against him, making it unsafe for him to visit Ibadan without fear of being attacked or publicly humiliated
Unlike his peers in the music industry, such as Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, and Asake—who have managed to handle fame with grace and maturity—Portable has repeatedly displayed public nuisance. These artists have enjoyed massive success without unnecessary drama, while Portable seems to thrive on controversy and recklessness.
Now that he is facing the consequences of his actions, it is hoped that he will finally learn that no one is above the law. His refusal to heed warnings and control his temper has led him into serious trouble, and only time will tell if he will truly change his ways.
Portable’s predicament should serve as a lesson to all—especially the younger generation—that success is not just about talent; it requires humility, discipline, and wisdom. Power, fame, and wealth can destroy a person if not properly managed.
One can only hope that Portable will turn himself in to the authorities, reflect on his past mistakes, and make efforts to redeem himself. He must realize that fame is fleeting, and if he continues on this destructive path, he may lose everything he has worked for.
May he find favor with God and compassionate Nigerians who may advocate for his forgiveness from the Ogun State government. As the Yoruba proverb wisely states, “Atítébí, ikú kìí pani, ayò nii pànìyàn”—it is not death that destroys a person, but excessive joy and carelessness.
