Smooth Promotions, the organisers of the Headies Awards, announced that it had disqualified Habib Okikiola aka Portable from the categories he was nominated.
Portable was nominated in the ‘Best Street Artist’ and ‘Rookie of the Year categories of the awards alongside Av, Fave, Magixx, and Ugocci.
The organisers noted that Portable was disqualified for being the subject of an investigation relating to criminal activities.
In a statement from The Headies secretariat, the organisers 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 organisers of the Headies have resolved to disqualify Mr Okikiola as a nominee at the forthcoming 15th Headies Awards,” the statement reads.
“We shall not condone reckless and uncouth statements from artists and at this moment disassociate ourselves from any individual linked to such assembly or activities, including Mr Okikiola’s prospects, as long as these acts are sufficiently linked to him as described.
“The music industry demands all-around excellence. It is extremely important for young artists to be potential role models to exude professional responsibility, pretiquettecorum and respect for others,” the statement adds.
Reacting to the news of his disqualification, Portable in an Instagram video called the award organisers 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.
Portable’s disqualification from the awards have since generated reactions by social media users.
See some reactions below:
https://twitter.com/_Just_Malik/status/1551993292539183107
The Headies disqualifies Portable from all categories nominated.
Too many senseless yarns
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) July 26, 2022
So he started as Portable
Then his music made him Exportable
But he started misbehaving and got too Comfortable.
And now the Headies have shown him he's Deportable.— Chuma Nnoli (@ChumaNnoli) July 26, 2022
Portable being disqualified from headies award is not even the issue. It is how his name got there at all that me i am concerned about.
— Maxvayshia™ (@maxvayshia) July 26, 2022
Im not happy with the fact that Portable was just disqualified from the Headies and tbh I’m pissed. Makes no sense fr…
Because it is not enough. Besides this well deserved disqualification, he needs at least 2 sessions of psych eval too.
— UG (@UgwunnaEjikem) July 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/Qdpaper2/status/1552004522633043969
Lowkey, I was expecting to see Portable’s ZaZoo on Obama’s playlist so Headies will feel guilty for disregarding his nominations 😂
Big ups to Burna, Tems, Pheelz and Buju for making the list though.
African music is the new pandemic 😷— gentrified YINKA 𓃗 (@notanass_) July 27, 2022
Interesting line drawn by the Headies, withdrawing nominations for the enfant terrible, Portable.
Kudos. It's a statement move, designed to speak to everyone that we're cleaning house.
On the surface, it appears to be the popular move.
But it sets up a precedent.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) July 26, 2022
Your Headies Award criteria has never stated anywhere near the requirements, that good character off the mic, is also a prerequisite for the honours.
And if we're taking a moral stand now, and not separating the art from the artist, then let us all swing the hammer fairly.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) July 26, 2022
Look across your nominations list. Are those people up there all saints and angels? Sugar, spice and everything nice? A real salt of the earth collective?
Swing it across board. Enforce and encode this as a rule, and not some arbitrary decision to score points with partners.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) July 26, 2022
Above all. Precedent. The public will hold you to this. It's great to deplatform Portable. The optics are perfect. But when it's a higher artist, someone more leveraged. A top 3 perhaps?
Will this hammer make an appearance? Is the right hand of justice going to stand firm?
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) July 26, 2022
Headies award has disqualified Portable as a nominee of their award.
Even when God lifts you up, you still need to be applying your sense.
— TIFE (@TheTifeFab) July 26, 2022
