By Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable has been disqualified from the list of nominees for the 2022 edition of the Headies.
It would be recalled that the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ crooner was nominated in two categories: ‘Best Street-Pop Artiste’ and ‘Rookie of the Year’.
To shock of everyone, the singer took to his Instagram page to threaten to kill whoever wins the awards ahead of him.
The organisers, in response, vowed to disqualify Portable if he fails to withdraw his statement and issue a formal apology on his social media pages.
The fast-rising later apologized for the death threat, saying he meant no harm to his co-nominees. His record label, Zeh Nation also issued a statement apologising to the Headies on his behalf.
However, the organisers of the awards have officially disqualified Portable, citing the “numerous indicting statements” made by the singer and the negative attention he has garned from the police and the general public in recent times.
This development was contained in a statement on Tuesday evening.
The statement reads in part, “The decision to disqualify him is accentuated by a series of misdemeanors by Mr Okikiola via his social media platforms. On the 25th of May 2022, he threatened to kill, harm, or cause harm to the other nominees in the same categories of awards hewas nominated for, if he does not emerge the winner, precisely.
“Smooth Promotions Limited, the organisers of the Headies Awards is law-abiding and responsible organization that abhors any form of violence, unlawful or activities ravaging our society.
“We shall not condone reckless and uncouth statements from artists and hereby disassociate ourselves from any individual linked to such assembly or activities including Mr. Okikiola’s prospects as long as these acts are sufficiently linked to him as described.
“The music industry demands all-round excellence. It is extremely important for young artists to be potential role models to exude professional responsibility, proper decorum and respect for others.
“Being subject of an investigation relating to criminal activities, Mr. Habeeb Okikiola is hereby disqualified from both categories of awards Annual Headies Awards scheduled to hold later this year namely: Best Street Artist and Rookie of the Year.”
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