Portable Claps Back at Iyabo Ojo: “Any Woman Not in Her Husband’s House Isn’t a Queen”

In what is quickly becoming one of Nollywood’s most talked-about exchanges this month, controversial singer Portable has taken aim at actress Iyabo Ojo following her recent remarks celebrating single motherhood. The back-and-forth has ignited heated debates online, pitting the viewpoints of celebrity figures against each other while sparking wider conversations about marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations in Nigeria.

The controversy started when Iyabo Ojo, a prominent actress known for her candid social media presence, posted a video that quickly went viral. In the video, Ojo celebrated single mothers, declaring that the stigma once attached to them is now a thing of the past. With her usual humor and unapologetic flair, she jokingly referred to herself as the “President General of the Single Mothers Association.”

Ojo argued that single mothers are not only surviving but thriving, raising children who are achieving significant success and recognition. She emphasized that the traditional perception of single motherhood as a disadvantage is outdated, pointing to examples of children excelling academically, professionally, and socially despite the absence of a father figure at home.

“Gone are the days that being a single mother was a stigma. Single mother’s kids are achieving greatness,” Ojo said in the viral video. Her words struck a chord with many Nigerians who relate to the experiences of single parenting or have witnessed its challenges and triumphs firsthand. Fans and supporters quickly took to social media to praise her for shedding light on a topic that is often met with judgment and societal scrutiny.

However, not everyone was ready to embrace Ojo’s positive spin on single motherhood. Portable, the singer whose bold statements and social media antics often keep him in the public eye, responded sharply to Ojo’s remarks. Known for his unapologetic and sometimes controversial opinions, Portable dismissed the actress’s assertions, asserting that true fulfillment and societal recognition come from being a married woman.

In a series of Instagram posts, Portable directly addressed Ojo’s statements. He argued that while single mothers can certainly achieve success, glorifying single motherhood risks sending the wrong message to young women about relationships, family life, and the societal value of marriage. According to Portable, elevating single motherhood as an ideal could inadvertently encourage women to avoid marriage or delay family life, undermining the traditional family structure that he believes is essential for social stability.

Portable’s comments were unambiguous: “Any woman not in her husband’s house isn’t a queen.” He stressed that while single mothers may be strong and resourceful, the pinnacle of womanhood, in his eyes, is fulfilled within the context of a marital home. His statement, delivered with his characteristic bluntness, immediately drew both criticism and support online, igniting a debate that has yet to die down.

Fans of Iyabo Ojo quickly mobilized, defending the actress and her right to celebrate her experience and those of other single mothers. Many highlighted that her message was one of empowerment rather than judgment, aimed at changing outdated perceptions of women who navigate life and parenthood without a spouse. Critics of Portable argued that his comments reinforced patriarchal expectations, dismissing the realities of women who, for various reasons, may not be in a marital relationship.

Social media users have been particularly vocal, sharing personal stories that either aligned with Ojo’s celebration of single motherhood or echoed Portable’s endorsement of marriage as a measure of societal respect. Hashtags related to the debate trended on Twitter and Instagram, with opinions divided sharply along generational, cultural, and gender lines. Younger audiences, particularly those who have grown up seeing alternative family structures, largely resonated with Ojo’s perspective, while more conservative commentators leaned toward Portable’s view of traditional family dynamics.

This exchange between two high-profile figures highlights the broader societal conversation around women’s roles, marriage, and motherhood in Nigeria today. The tension between individual empowerment and traditional expectations is not new, but the public nature of this debate—fueled by celebrities with massive platforms—has brought it to the forefront of national discussion. It also raises questions about the influence of celebrity opinions on social norms, particularly when these figures have large followings among young Nigerians.

Iyabo Ojo, in her trademark style, has not directly responded to Portable’s remarks, instead continuing to post content that celebrates women and motherhood in all its forms. Meanwhile, Portable’s intervention seems to have energized his fan base, sparking conversations about what it means to be a “queen” in today’s society and whether marital status should define a woman’s success or social value.

The exchange has also reignited debate over the responsibilities of public figures in shaping societal attitudes. Some argue that celebrities should be mindful of the messages they send, given their influence over impressionable audiences, while others maintain that freedom of expression allows public personalities to share personal beliefs without apology. In this case, the clash between Ojo and Portable underscores the fine line between empowerment and societal expectation, and how the interpretation of each can vary widely depending on one’s perspective.

For many Nigerians, the conversation extends beyond the celebrity realm. It touches on real-life experiences, societal pressures, and the evolving understanding of family in a modern context. While Portable champions marriage as the ultimate marker of a woman’s social standing, Iyabo Ojo champions resilience, independence, and the capacity to thrive regardless of marital status. Both viewpoints, controversial as they may be, contribute to an ongoing dialogue about gender roles, family, and identity in contemporary Nigerian society.

As the debate continues to rage online, it is clear that this is more than just a clash between two personalities. It represents a larger cultural conversation about what it means to be a woman in Nigeria today. Whether one sides with Portable’s emphasis on traditional marriage or Ojo’s celebration of single motherhood, the discussion is forcing many to confront deeply held beliefs and consider alternative narratives of success, happiness, and respect.

The next few weeks will likely see further reactions from fans, media outlets, and perhaps other celebrities who feel compelled to weigh in. Regardless of the outcome, the discourse sparked by Iyabo Ojo’s video and Portable’s counter-comments has successfully brought attention to an important societal debate, proving that celebrity statements, however controversial, can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond their immediate audience.

In a world where social media amplifies every opinion, the conversation between Iyabo Ojo and Portable reminds Nigerians that the definitions of success, womanhood, and family are not static. They evolve with culture, circumstance, and individual experience. Whether in agreement or opposition, the public is watching, engaging, and contributing to a debate that is as much about societal norms as it is about personal choice.

As the online discourse continues, one thing is certain: the exchange between Portable and Iyabo Ojo has put a spotlight on the complex realities of modern womanhood, marriage, and motherhood in Nigeria, ensuring that the conversation will not be forgotten anytime soon.