A full-blown clash between controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, and outspoken online activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), has taken a dramatic turn, with both men attacking each other through diss tracks, online videos, and even ritualistic displays.
The feud, which began with a disagreement over political commentary, has escalated into a series of personal accusations and public insults, drawing intense attention across Nigerian social media.
Trouble started after Portable slammed VDM in a video for criticising President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening economy. He also accused VDM of exploiting the death of late singer Mohbad for personal relevance.
Responding swiftly, VDM dropped a diss track titled “Ole” (Thief), in which he referenced Portable’s past brushes with the law, including allegations of stealing a tricycle and mobile phones — incidents that once led to his arrest.
“Let nobody forget who the real thief is,” VDM said in a follow-up video. “You can support politicians, but don’t pretend to be clean when your hands are dirty.”
The online crusader went further, announcing that he had recorded a full seven-track EP aimed at exposing Portable. In one video, he ridiculed the singer with a choreographed dance routine mocking the theft allegations.
Never one to step back from controversy, Portable hit back with his own diss track, “VDM Oromadiye”, in which he insulted VDM’s family background and denied ever stealing. He insisted he had been falsely accused during his days of hustle.
“That keke wahala was in 2020, before fame found me,” Portable declared. “Now I’m the one feeding those calling me a thief. All of una children go suffer!”
He then took things to a more spiritual level, posting a video of himself holding a red-cloth-wrapped horn and performing what appeared to be a ritual. Portable prayed for wealth and then placed curses on his detractors.
“Anybody wey dey call me thief, make madness locate am,” he said. “Those who hate me, may nothing good come their way.”
He also offered a live chicken, gin, and kola nuts during the ritual, which sparked mixed reactions online.
In retaliation, VDM released a third diss track, “Zazoo ft All My Gees”, describing Portable as “smelly, dirty, and uncultured,” while boasting that his fanbase, The Ratels, now controlled the digital space.
“We are the fourth arm of government,” VDM claimed. “After this, I’ll leave him to cry alone.”
The music video for the track featured okada riders and street youths dancing in mockery of Portable’s past. Despite repeated calls from some fans for both men to de-escalate the beef, neither appears ready to back down.
Meanwhile, Portable insists the online attacks stem from his open support for President Tinubu. He has since petitioned law enforcement authorities, calling on the police, EFCC, and Seyi Tinubu to arrest VDM.
