Mr P says sorry for his controversial comments about Nigerian languages, but shifts some blame to twin brother Paul Okoye for allegedly milking the drama for clout.
The drama in the Okoye household never seems to rest, and this time, it is Peter Okoye — one half of the legendary P-Square duo — who has found himself in the eye of the storm. The singer, widely known by his stage name Mr P, has tendered a public apology after his recent social media comments about Nigerian languages sparked serious outrage across the country.
But in true Okoye twin fashion, Peter did not go down quietly. While saying sorry with one hand, he pointed a finger at his brother Paul Okoye with the other, accusing him of capitalising on the controversy for personal gain.
How Did We Get Here?
Peter had taken to social media to make remarks that many Nigerians interpreted as dismissive of indigenous languages. In a country where languages like Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Ijaw, and hundreds of others carry deep cultural pride and identity, his comments did not sit well with the public — not at all.
Nigerians, as we all know, do not play when it comes to culture and heritage. From Twitter to Instagram, from WhatsApp groups to Facebook timelines, people were not having it. The backlash was swift, loud, and very, very Nigerian.
The Apology
Feeling the heat, Mr P came out to address the situation, acknowledging that his words had caused offence and expressing regret for how the comments landed. He made it clear that disrespecting Nigerian languages or culture was never his intention.
For many fans, the apology was a welcome step — after all, even the best of us can speak out of turn. Nigerians generally appreciate humility, and owning up to a mistake publicly takes courage.
But Wait — He Also Called Out Paul
Here is where things got extra spicy. Peter did not stop at the apology. He went ahead to accuse his twin brother Paul of exploiting the controversy rather than helping to calm things down. According to Peter, Paul used the public drama to score points and boost his own relevance — a move Peter clearly did not appreciate.
This is not the first time the Okoye brothers have aired their differences in public. Since their very messy and very public split years ago, Nigerians have watched the two go back and forth more times than a Lagos danfo on Third Mainland Bridge. Every few months, something new stirs the pot between them.
What Nigerians Are Saying
Reactions have been mixed, as expected:
– Some fans accepted the apology and called for peace, reminding everyone that Peter Okoye has contributed immensely to Nigerian music and culture
– Others felt the apology was incomplete, arguing that the original comments revealed a deeper mindset that a quick social media post cannot fix
– Many were more entertained by the twin drama, with several people joking that P-Square beef has become a permanent feature of Nigerian entertainment news
– A few others pointed out the irony of a man who built his career on Nigerian music and culture seemingly undervaluing the languages tied to that same culture.
The Bigger Conversation
Beyond the celebrity drama, Peter’s comments — and the reaction they generated — shine a light on a very real and ongoing conversation in Nigeria. Many educated Nigerians, particularly those raised in urban settings, grow up prioritising English above their mother tongues. Children attend schools where speaking indigenous languages is sometimes even discouraged or penalised.
Yet these same languages are the backbone of our music, our proverbs, our identity, and our connection to generations before us. When someone with a platform as large as Mr P’s appears to question their value, it touches a raw nerve — because the struggle to keep these languages alive is very real.
Final Thoughts
Peter Okoye has apologised, and that counts for something. Whether the apology is enough — and whether his beef with Paul will ever truly end — remains to be seen. One thing is certain though: Nigerians will be watching, commenting, and forming opinions every step of the way.
As they say in these streets, “E don do, but e never do.”
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