Fuji Star Osupa Intervenes To Prevent Portable’s Re-Arrest Amid Fresh Petition Over N6.3Million Show Dispute
April 15, 2025 | Entertainment News
In a surprising turn of events, legendary Fuji musician Saheed Akorede, better known as Osupa, has stepped in to prevent the re-arrest of controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable. The intervention comes after a fresh petition was filed against Portable over a breach of contract. The incident has drawn the attention of prominent Nigerians, including Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who called for an out-of-court settlement.
The Controversy: Portable Fails to Perform Despite Being Paid ₦6.3 Million
The saga started when Portable allegedly failed to perform at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta 1.0, held on September 29, 2024, at the Starwood O2 Arena in Ilorin, Kwara State. Portable was paid ₦6.3 million upfront to perform at the event, which was organized by Starwood Hotels Ilorin in collaboration with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
However, things took a sour turn when Portable reportedly arrived at the venue more than 16 hours late, and despite checking into his hotel, he left without honoring his performance contract. This resulted in significant losses for the event organizers, both financially and emotionally, as they were left without the promised performance and no recourse to retrieve their funds.
A petition was filed by the organizers, accusing Portable of fraud and breach of contract. The document, titled "Petition for Fraudulent and Obtaining by False Pretence the Sum of N6.3 Million", states that the agreement was signed on July 22, 2024. The petitioners are demanding the return of the ₦6.3 million and legal action to hold Portable accountable for the damages caused.
Osupa’s Intervention and the Call for Peaceful Resolution
Amidst the brewing controversy, Osupa took it upon himself to intervene in the matter, helping to calm the situation and prevent further escalation. The decision to withhold Portable’s re-arrest came after several influential Nigerians, including Omoyele Sowore, called for an out-of-court settlement. Osupa, who is highly respected within the Nigerian music industry, used his influence to urge the organizers to settle the matter peacefully and avoid any further legal action.
In an exclusive statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Yemi George, the Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, revealed that he had already secured the necessary documentation to have Portable re-arrested. However, after Osupa’s intervention, George agreed to hold off on his decision.
"I had all the necessary documents to proceed with his re-arrest today, but out of respect for Osupa, I chose not to go ahead," George explained.
The Police’s Involvement
Following the petition filed by Osupa, Portable was briefly arrested by the Kwara State Police. The charges against him include criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, and the use of abusive language, among others. The police, however, have not yet taken further steps in the case, largely due to the ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution.
The Financial Impact
According to the petitioners, the failure to perform resulted in significant financial losses, as they had invested heavily in the event, including booking Portable’s services. The event, which marked the maiden edition of the Kwara Tampan Fiesta, was intended to be a major success. However, Portable’s failure to show up not only led to financial distress but also caused reputational damage to the event organizers.
Despite the growing pressure, Osupa’s involvement has brought a glimmer of hope for an amicable resolution. He has urged both parties to reach a compromise and avoid a lengthy legal battle, which could further damage Portable’s career.
Looking Forward: Will Portable Refund the ₦6.3 Million?
As the situation stands, Portable has not yet commented on the allegations or agreed to refund the ₦6.3 million. The petitioners are still awaiting a response and have made it clear that they are pursuing all necessary legal avenues to get their money back.
This case highlights not only the potential financial risks involved in the Nigerian music industry but also the influence that respected figures like Osupa can have in diffusing conflicts. It remains to be seen whether Portable will honor the settlement request or face further legal consequences.
Conclusion
The story of Saheed Osupa’s intervention in Portable’s legal troubles has captivated the attention of fans and the wider public. While the case is far from over, Osupa’s influence and the call for peace have shown that even in the face of controversy, there’s always room for dialogue and resolution.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we continue to monitor the situation closely.
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