US-based music duo, Esquare, has stepped forward to present their side of the recent violent incident involving Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
Reports from Social Media had initially highlighted Portable’s claims on Instagram, alleging assault by unidentified individuals due to his inability to perform at a paid show organized by Esquare.
Portable, currently in hospital recovering from severe injuries, including a broken leg, asserted that the attack occurred following a disagreement over his performance and associated expenses.
Portable had contended that he was originally contracted by Esquare for an event in December of the previous year, but complications arose as the New Year approached, leading to increased expenses.
He maintained that he had transparently communicated the escalating costs, even providing a video as evidence. However, Portable claimed that Esquare expressed dissatisfaction with his performance and requested a refund.
Furthermore, Portable revealed that he received N2.5 million for a song and music video production but faced logistical challenges due to his remote location, preventing his active participation.
Esquare, however, counters these allegations and offers their perspective on the contentious situation.
Esquare clarified that the incident did not take place at Portable’s residence, as rumored, but rather at a music video set in Ajah, Lekki.
They disclosed that Portable failed to show up on the scheduled day, citing the distance as the primary reason for his absence. In an attempt to resolve the matter, organizers agreed to compensate Portable with an additional N1 million.
Tensions heightened when Esquare later sought a refund of the extra N1 million, leading to a confrontation.
Addressing the public, Dr. Fortunate and Prince of Esquare said, “There is a viral video going on where my brother and I happened to be on those videos. I just want to address the public misconception because a lot of false information was given out.”
Esquare’s account of events dates back to May of the previous year when their manager in the United States reached an agreement with Portable’s manager for a collaboration, involving a payment of N2.5 million.
After paying N1.5 million upfront, Portable’s manager provided his version of the song. Despite successful collaboration, disagreements arose about the timing and location of the music video shoot.
Esquare initially agreed to postpone the shoot to December, but later considered doing it in Houston, Texas, where they are based, during Portable’s US tour.
However, Portable’s manager declined this option. A new date was set for September 21st, but Portable failed to show up on time, prompting a cancellation message from his manager, citing the distance to Portable’s location in Sango, Ogun State.
Through a friend, Esquare managed to reach Portable directly, who initially denied their arrangement but later demanded an extra N1 million.
Esquare paid the additional amount, picked Portable up from Ogun State, and faced erratic behavior from him during the shoot.
Esquare claims that Portable threatened to involve local troublemakers and cancel the event, citing his alleged association with a cult group.
Esquare’s detailed account sheds light on the complexities of the situation, challenging Portable’s version of events and providing a more nuanced perspective on the incident.
