The Eselu of Iselu, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has expressed strong opposition to the conferment of the ‘King of Street’ chieftaincy title on controversial singer Habeeb Olalomi Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
Oba Akinyemi, in an open letter signed by him, described the title as an anomaly in Yoruba traditional institutions and called for its immediate revocation.
He argued that such a title was unfamiliar to Yoruba palaces and could lead to disorder if not withdrawn.
“The title ‘King of Street,’ which Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, gave to the controversial musician at his 21st Coronation Anniversary, is absolutely unknown in all palaces of Yoruba land. Conferring such a title on anyone is not only illegal but also a call for chaos if not reversed,” the letter read.
He faulted Oba Akamo for making the title sound universal rather than limiting it to his domain. “Using the title ‘King of Street’ can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Kabiyesi ought to have titled it ‘King of Itori Street,’ so the musician would understand that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom,” he said.
Oba Akinyemi further criticized the decision to honor Portable at a time when the singer is undergoing trial at an Ogun State High Court for allegedly assaulting state officials.
“Apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behavior of the singer who is currently facing trial in a competent court in Ogun State. Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreak more havoc,” he said.
The monarch lamented that the trend of self-proclaimed kings in the Fuji and street music industry had already caused division among artists, straying from the legacy left behind by pioneers. “Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives,” he added.
Calling on Oba Akamo to reconsider his decision, Oba Akinyemi advised that efforts should instead be made to rebrand Portable rather than bestowing him with titles that could embolden his controversial lifestyle.
“My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Okikiola Akamo, Olu of Itori, should revoke the title given to the controversial musician and advocate for a rebranding of the musician so that he can abandon his shenanigans and reckless lifestyle,” he stated.
He urged the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, to intervene and correct what he described as an “untraditional and illegal installation.”
“Chairman sir, may your years on the throne be very long. Kindly use your revered office to request Olu Itori to correct the anomaly he has created, as this effort will remove any blemish that the controversial installation has had on our respected institution,” he said.
Oba Akinyemi concluded by emphasizing that revoking the title would help preserve the dignity of the traditional institution and ensure that the integrity of Yoruba chieftaincy titles remains intact.
