Controversial Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has received unexpected public support from one of his babymamas, actress Ashabi Simple, following his acquisition of a new Ford F150 truck.
The “Zazu” crooner announced his latest automotive purchase through social media, revealing that he had supplemented the ₦20 million gift he received from Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy to acquire the luxury vehicle. The acquisition adds to Portable’s growing collection of cars, which has expanded considerably since his meteoric rise to fame in late 2021.
In a notably supportive gesture that contrasts with the often turbulent nature of their relationship, Ashabi took to Instagram to celebrate Portable’s new purchase while offering prayers that suggest a desire for peace amid their historically volatile connection.
“Alhamdulilahi Alhamdulilahi Alhamdulilahi. Congratulations to you, Bobo Mi. More keys, more grace, more blessings. No more war,” she wrote, with the final phrase particularly catching public attention as an apparent call for harmony in their frequently contentious relationship.
The actress’s expression of support comes despite a well-documented history of public disagreements between the pair. Portable has gained notoriety not only for his distinctive musical style but also for his unfiltered social media presence, where he has frequently discussed his complex relationships with multiple partners, including Ashabi.
Industry observers note that Ashabi’s conciliatory tone represents a significant shift in the public narrative between the two personalities. Her prayer for “no more war” appears to reference their history of public disputes, which have frequently played out across social media platforms to the fascination of fans and entertainment journalists alike.
This display of solidarity follows closely on the heels of Portable’s recent release from police custody in Kwara State, another incident in the singer’s pattern of legal entanglements since rising to prominence. Following his release, Ashabi had shared a romantic video featuring herself and the singer, explaining that the footage had been waiting in her drafts while expressing gratitude for his freedom.
“She revealed that the video had been in her draft, and she didn’t know that the singer would change his look so soon. The movie star expressed gratitude to God for his release,” according to earlier reports.
The relationship between Portable and Ashabi has become a fixture in Nigerian entertainment news cycles, particularly following the birth of their child. Despite Portable’s relationships with multiple women, including the mothers of his other children, Ashabi has maintained a visible connection to the controversial artist through various public displays of affection interspersed with periods of apparent conflict.
Entertainment industry analysts suggest that Ashabi’s consistent return to supportive positions despite public tensions reflects the complex dynamics often present in high-profile entertainment industry relationships, particularly those involving personalities known for volatile public personas.
Portable’s latest acquisition demonstrates his continuing financial ascent since breaking into mainstream consciousness with his hit single “Zazu” featuring Olamide and dancer Poco Lee. The Ford F150, a luxury truck popular among American celebrities but relatively uncommon on Nigerian roads, represents another visible symbol of his commercial success despite frequent controversies.
The acknowledgment of Burna Boy’s ₦20 million contribution toward the purchase also highlights the complex mentor-protégé relationships forming in Nigeria’s evolving music industry. Burna Boy, who has achieved unprecedented international success for a Nigerian artist, has occasionally shown support for emerging talents from unconventional backgrounds similar to his own rise to prominence.
Cultural commentators note that Portable’s rapid wealth accumulation and public displays of affluence follow established patterns in Nigerian pop culture, where visible markers of success—particularly luxury vehicles—serve as tangible evidence of artistic achievement and social mobility. For artists emerging from economically challenged backgrounds, these purchases often carry significant symbolic weight beyond their material value.
Ashabi’s prayer for “more keys” references this cultural understanding of automotive acquisition as a marker of continuing success, suggesting her support for not just this purchase but future prosperity for the father of her child.
The “no more war” segment of her message has particularly resonated with followers of Nigerian entertainment, who have witnessed the couple’s relationship fluctuations play out across social media. The public prayer for peace suggests a potential turning point or at least a temporary reconciliation in their relationship dynamic.
Portable’s unconventional journey through Nigeria’s entertainment landscape has been characterized by both remarkable musical intuition and frequent controversy. His distinctive vocal style and unfiltered personality have established him as one of the industry’s most recognizable figures, even as his unpredictable public behavior has occasionally threatened to overshadow his artistic contributions.
As one of several women connected to the artist through co-parenting relationships, Ashabi occupies a uniquely public position, with her Nollywood career adding another dimension of visibility to their relationship dynamics. Her consistent public acknowledgment of their connection, despite its evident complications, has made her a significant character in the ongoing narrative of Portable’s rise in Nigerian entertainment.
Whether Ashabi’s prayer for “no more war” signals a genuine reconciliation or merely a temporary ceasefire in their relationship remains to be seen. What appears certain is that their connection continues to evolve publicly, providing another chapter in the complex personal story accompanying Portable’s professional journey through Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment industry.
