Monarch criticises ‘King of Street’ title conferred on Portable by another Monarch
Monarch criticises ‘King of Street’ title conferred on Portable by another Monarch
Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu, has expressed his extreme dissatisfaction of the contentious awarding of the “King of Street” chieftaincy title to musician Habeeb Olalomi Okikiola, popularly known as “Portable,” by Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, the Olu of Itori.
Oba Akinyemi wrote in an open letter, signed by the king himself, that the title was foreign to all Yorubaland palaces and that it should be reversed to avoid any possible disturbances.
He stated that the title should have been confined to the local jurisdiction of Itori, suggesting it be named “King of Itori Street” rather than the broad and ambiguous “King of Street.”
Oba Akinyemi further criticized the decision, particularly given that Portable is currently facing trial in Ogun State High Court for alleged assault on state government officials. He argued that the title was conferred without proper consideration and at a time when the singer is embroiled in legal controversies.
The letter concluded by emphasising that the “King of Street” title, which was bestowed upon Portable during Oba Akamo’s 21st Coronation Anniversary, is entirely unknown in Yoruba royal traditions, branding it as not only illegal but also a potential catalyst for chaos if not immediately rescinded.
” Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain. Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom.
“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed to prevent any problems in the State and beyond.
“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 behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State. Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreak more havoc. An effort that will make the musician live a better life is what is necessary.
“In fact, the unruly self-made kings in the fuji industry have caused lots of divisions among themselves which is entirely different from the love and good legacy the pioneers left behind. Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives.
“My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Okikiola Akamo, Olu 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.
“Rebranding will make the musician turn a new leaf and go higher in his musical career. The title does not belong to us as Monarchs, so revoking it will remove the stigmatization that the title has been having on the Traditional Institution.
“In conclusion, I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland to the untraditional and illegal installation done by Olu Itori.
“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”.
