The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, has refuted claims that he conferred the chieftaincy title of “King of Street” on controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
In a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Monday, titled “Setting the Records Straight,” the monarch dismissed the reports as false and clarified that he has no close ties with the singer.
Oba Akamo explained that Portable was originally given the title of “King of the Streets” by the Farmers Association in Ore, Ondo State, in 2024.
He emphasized that he would never compromise the cultural integrity of the Yoruba tradition by bestowing such a title upon the artist.
The statement read, “The attention of the Palace of the Olu of Itori Egbaland has been drawn to an open letter originating from the Eselu of Iselu, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, alleging that His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, installed Portable as ‘King of Street.’ This allegation is unfounded, baseless, and incorrect.”
The monarch further clarified that Portable attended the grand finale of his 21st coronation anniversary as a guest and arrived at the venue dressed in the costume associated with the “King of Street” title. Upon noticing this, the palace authorities requested that he remove the attire, which he complied with before entering the event.
Oba Akamo expressed disappointment that his colleague, Oba Akinyemi, did not verify the facts before issuing an open letter on the matter.
“It is important to set the records straight, as the Olu of Itori cannot be a party to any distortion of the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba race. We implore the Eselu of Iselu to retract his statement and present the accurate account of details without further delay,” the statement concluded.
The monarch insisted that he would not engage further in the matter, maintaining that due respect for Yoruba heritage and traditions remains his priority.
