“May He Die Again in Heaven” – Portable Sparks Outrage with Comment on Buhari’s Death

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred fresh outrage online following his reaction to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a video shared online, Portable alleged that Buhari was responsible for the tragic shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate during the EndSARS protests in October 2020. The street-hop artiste claimed that the former president, not Bola Tinubu as widely speculated, gave the order to shoot.

“The man that said they should shoot our people at The Lekki Toll Gate is dead,” Portable declared. “Let us do good. May he die again in Heaven. He was the one that ordered the shooting, not Tinubu. He died in London.”

His remarks, which many have described as insensitive, come shortly after the death of Buhari was officially confirmed in a statement by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu. Buhari reportedly passed away in a London clinic at the age of 82.

Portable’s controversial statement has since gone viral, with many social media users criticizing him for disrespecting the dead, even while acknowledging past government failures.

The singer, known for his erratic public behavior and blunt commentary, has a history of outbursts directed at political figures. Just last month, he recounted an underwhelming encounter with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressing disappointment that Obi didn’t “give him money” after their meeting.

He also previously gushed over meeting the Ooni of Ife, who gifted him bundles of naira and praised his music. The artist has also had a publicised visit with Lagos transport boss MC Oluomo, whom he described as a strong supporter of his music and hustle.

Portable’s latest outburst on Buhari’s passing adds to the growing list of polarizing celebrity reactions, underscoring the divided sentiments among Nigerians regarding the former president’s legacy,  particularly on the issues of human rights and state violence.