Ashabi Simple Recounts Her Experience with Portable and the Cost of Early Fame

The complex intersection of celebrity, romance, and personal ambition has once again taken center stage in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Yoruba Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ashabi Simple has sparked intense conversation following a candid interview where she detailed her turbulent relationship with the controversial street-hop sensation, Habeeb Okikiola, famously known as Portable. Her revelations offer a rare, unvarnished look into the dynamics of a high-profile union that was as much about career growth as it was about personal sacrifice.

During an appearance on Oyinmomo TV, Ashabi did not hold back when discussing the origins of her connection with the Zeh Nation boss. She articulated a sentiment that many young women in the limelight often feel but rarely voice: the sense of being overwhelmed by an older, more established figure. The actress stated quite plainly that Portable “chanced” her, suggesting that he recognized her youth and lack of experience and used those factors to his advantage. This exploitation, she implies, was the foundation upon which their relationship was built, a narrative that adds a somber layer to their public history.

The question of commitment was a central theme of the discussion. Ashabi clarified that her involvement with the singer was not a whim or a fleeting attraction. She noted that she never would have entertained a romantic entanglement with Portable had there not been an explicit promise of marriage. For Ashabi, the prospect of a stable, formal union was the catalyst that led her to commit to a man whose public persona is often defined by chaos and unpredictability. It highlights the traditional values she held onto, even while navigating the modern, fast-paced world of Nigerian showbiz.

Despite the grievances, Ashabi was careful to paint a balanced portrait of the singer. She acknowledged that Portable is a man of dualities. On one hand, she described him as a deeply caring individual during their time together. On the other, his lifestyle remains a whirlwind of controversy. Interestingly, she also credited their association with a significant boost in her professional life. She admitted to witnessing substantial career growth after meeting him, suggesting that the “Portable effect” provided a platform that she might not have accessed as quickly on her own.

The scale of Portable’s domestic life was another point of revelation. Ashabi confirmed that the singer, at just 32 years old, is a father to ten children. Within this large family tree, she has contributed two children of her own. This staggering statistic serves as a backdrop to her decision to distance herself from the singer. The actress revealed that they are no longer together, a choice driven by a profound need for self-actualization. She expressed a desire to prove to herself, and perhaps the world, that her success is not solely dependent on the shadow of a famous partner.

Her perspective on marriage itself has undergone a pragmatic shift. Ashabi surprised many by defending her choice to enter a polygamous arrangement. Her reasoning was rooted in the grueling demands of the film industry. She explained that the nature of her work as an actress and filmmaker involves long hours and constant travel, which would make it difficult to provide the undivided attention a husband might expect in a monogamous setup. For her, polygamy offered a level of flexibility that aligned with her professional ambitions.

When pressed on the possibility of a reconciliation, Ashabi remained tellingly vague. She refused to give a definitive “yes” or “no,” leaving the door slightly ajar while maintaining her current stance of independence. This ambiguity suggests a woman who is still processing the emotional weight of her past while trying to secure a future on her own terms. Her story is not just one of a broken relationship, but of a young woman navigating the power imbalances inherent in the entertainment industry.

The interview has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom are debating whether Ashabi was a victim of circumstance or a strategist who knew the costs of her choices. By coming forward, she has highlighted the often-invisible pressures faced by younger actresses when they align themselves with powerful male figures. Her journey from being “chanced” to seeking her own path reflects a broader struggle for autonomy in an industry that often prizes association over individual merit.

Ultimately, Ashabi Simple’s narrative is a testament to the complexities of modern fame in Nigeria. It is a story of gratitude for opportunities provided, mixed with the sting of being manipulated at a vulnerable age. As she steps out from Portable’s shadow to test the waters of a solo career, her experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a blueprint for survival in the relentless world of Nollywood. Whether she returns to the singer or carves out a permanent legacy of her own remains to be seen, but her voice is now undeniably her own.