In a surprising move that has captivated his fans, controversial Nigerian street-pop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has declared his intention to return to an academic setting. The Zazoo Zehh crooner aims to acquire formal knowledge that will empower him to manage his flourishing music career and business empire more effectively.
Educational Ambitions for Professional Growth
Portable revealed his educational plans through a video message shared on his official Instagram page on Saturday, November 9, 2025. The 31-year-old artist, who previously earned an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from Kwara State Polytechnic, expressed his desire to further his education despite his existing qualification.
The musician stated his primary motivation is to gain a better understanding of how to monitor and manage his music royalties and complex business deals, particularly those concerning his record label, Zeh Nation. He emphasized that this decision goes beyond merely acquiring another certificate, focusing instead on equipping himself with practical skills to handle his brand more professionally and reduce reliance on third parties.
Beyond Fame: Balancing Stardom with Business Acumen
Portable openly discussed his intention to balance his energetic stage persona with a more professional approach to business management. He specifically mentioned wanting to properly manage contracts and business dealings without depending entirely on others.
The artist also highlighted his role as a parent and benefactor, noting his desire to set a positive example for his children and those he sponsors. "I sponsor people and my children too to avoid stories in like 'Portable didn't go to school in the future'," he explained in his characteristic manner.
Context: A Year of Controversies and Legal Challenges
Portable's announcement comes after a series of highly publicized controversies that have marked his rapid rise to fame. Earlier in the year, the artist faced significant legal trouble when Fuji musician Saheed Osupa filed a lawsuit against him.
Osupa had accused Portable of criminal defamation, threat to life, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The dispute originated from a public exchange regarding Portable's song Fuji Shakushaku, which Osupa claimed constituted copyright infringement.
The case was eventually withdrawn after intervention from prominent Nigerians, with Osupa outlining three conditions for Portable: retracting his statements, stopping defamation, and signing an undertaking to desist from online harassment.
In another major incident, Portable clashed with officials from the Ogun State Government after his uncompleted building and hotel were sealed over alleged illegal development. The singer was accused of assaulting three officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning during an enforcement exercise in Ota.
Following these events, nine of his associates were arrested and arraigned before a magistrates' court. Portable himself was declared wanted after failing to appear when invited by police, though he later surrendered and was granted bail in the sum of N2 million after being arraigned in Abeokuta.
These challenges appear to have influenced Portable's current perspective on professional development, with his planned return to education representing a significant step toward managing his career with greater independence and expertise.
