OUTRAGE TRAILS INVITATION OF PORTABLE TO 2025 GLOBAL TWINS FESTIVAL IN IGBOORA

The 2025 edition of the Global Twins Festival in Igboora, Oyo State — globally recognised as the “Home of Twins” — has generated mixed reactions following the invitation of controversial Nigerian music artiste, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus popularly known as Portable, to perform at the highly revered cultural event.

Many indigenes and community leaders have expressed disappointment, describing the move as a deviation from the noble objectives of the festival, which was designed to promote unity, culture, socio-economic development, and youth empowerment within Ibarapa land.

The Chairman of the Igboora Consultative Forum (ICF), Fidelis Adebisi Adeniran, condemned the decision, describing it as “unacceptable and unaligned with the founding vision” of the celebration.

“This was not our intention when we spent our resources to ensure that the immediate past government accepted the festival,” he said. “It is not a festival of rascals but a platform for positive lessons, growth, peace, and community development. The Igboora Consultative Forum is not aware of this decision, and we are totally against it,” Adeniran stated.

Another resident expressed deep concern over the moral implications, saying Portable’s presence “adds no value to the community.”

“It’s a pity that young boys and girls who ought to be in school are out there developing bad habits from the wrong influences being promoted. The government and organisers should focus on rebuilding morals, not glorifying indiscipline,” the resident lamented.

Community voices have also questioned why local talents were not given a platform to showcase their artistry.

“Before decisions like this are made, there should be proper deliberation. Are there no indigenes of Ibarapa or Igboora who can perform and make us proud?” one contributor asked. “Our problem in Ibarapa is that we fail to encourage the talents among us.”

Adding his comment, Engr. Adeoye Adewale described the artiste’s invitation as “an invitation to lawlessness, indiscipline, and rascality,” urging organisers to “reconsider the image and message being promoted under the banner of a global cultural heritage.”

Meanwhile, Prince Akinyemi Tayo, an Ibarapa youth leader and cultural advocate, earlier appealed to the Oyo State Government and organisers to focus more on empowerment, education, infrastructure, and moral development as the true essence of modernising the Twins Festival.

“If the event must maintain global recognition, it must equally uphold the cultural and moral values of the community,” he emphasized.

As preparations continue, the call for the review of Portable’s participation remains a trending discussion among indigenes and cultural enthusiasts, with many insisting that the integrity and purpose of the festival must not be sacrificed for entertainment.