Portable has voiced frustration after the Ogun State government sealed his uncompleted building and hotel in Sango-Ota over claims of illegal development.
The properties were sealed off over claims of illegal development, an action that has sparked an outcry from the artist.
Portable shares his allegations on social media
In a post on his Instagram account, the ‘Zazu’ hitmaker revealed that the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority (OSPDA) was responsible for sealing the properties.
According to Portable, the authorities not only shut down his businesses but also took severe actions against his employees and customers.
Detentions and confiscations during the operation
The singer claimed that more than 20 individuals, including both workers and customers, were detained during the operation.
He also accused the government of seizing the alcoholic beverages from his bar, Odowgu Bar and Food, located on the premises.
Portable’s response: A call for fairness and support
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Portable expressed his disbelief and frustration, stating, “I believe in Eledumare. Nobody can fool me, Omo Olohun. They packed everybody, took more than 20 people, both artists and customers, and they packed cars, bikes, including people’s phones and jobs.
All the people that came for help, they packed them and sealed my new uncompleted building and hotel. Why? In my hometown, and we didn’t fight back, they packed all the drinks we were selling at Odowgu Bar and Food. Why? Government should please look into this.”
A venue for events and community support
Portable further explained that the establishment was meant to serve drinks and a venue where he hosted events and shows.
He highlighted that it played an important role in supporting local talent and providing an avenue for people to come together.
“I am using this place to book events and shows, not only for drinks. I am promoting people and helping people here,” he continued in the post.
Portable’s efforts to cooperate with the government
The singer took the opportunity to express his disappointment, claiming that he had previously tried to cooperate with the government.
According to Portable, he had made efforts to improve the area by providing lighting and even reaching out to the authorities for road repairs before the incident.
“The government should ask, I put light everywhere, and before the government came for road repairs, I called them to help us,” he said.
Why Portable questions the government’s actions
He also stressed that his actions were motivated by the desire to support his community and provide for his family. “Why will they do this at my property, which I am using to feed my family?” Portable questioned.
Portable’s altercation with government officials
In his post, he recounted an additional altercation with government officials. He claimed that after the sealing of the properties, he was attacked while at a separate location, an incident he attributed to the government’s actions.
Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith, concluding his statement with a reminder that “God is greater than them.”
Ogun state planning and development authority’s silence
The controversy has yet to receive an official response from the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority, and the allegations against the government remain unaddressed at the time of writing.
Wider implications for building regulations and the entertainment industry
This incident has raised concerns about the state’s enforcement of building regulations, especially when it involves influential individuals in the entertainment industry.
Many are questioning whether Portable’s case is a result of overzealous bureaucratic enforcement or a targeted attack against his growing empire.
What’s next for Portable?
While it is clear that Portable has faced significant setbacks, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve.
The singer’s call for government intervention suggests that he is prepared to challenge the actions of the Ogun State authorities in an effort to secure justice for himself, his employees, and his community.
The public’s reaction and possible consequences
As the case develops, both supporters and critics of Portable are watching closely to see how the Ogun State government will respond to the allegations.
The outcome of this confrontation could have broader implications for the music and entertainment industries in Nigeria, particularly in how they interact with local authorities and their role in the development of their communities.
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