Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P of the defunct P-Square duo, has sparked fierce debate after defending his children’s fluency in French and questioning the practical value of Nigerian languages.
The controversy began when the musician shared a post from Paris on X, expressing admiration for how easily his kids communicate in French.
“Still in Paris! Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris. Just a thought,” he wrote.
An X user quickly asked if the children could also speak Igbo. Mr P responded bluntly:
“And who naija language help? Leave me alone, please.”
His reply ignited strong reactions online. Some users insisted that teaching indigenous languages is vital for preserving cultural heritage and identity. Others backed the singer’s right as a parent to decide how his children are raised.
Mr P stood firm, telling critics to focus on their own families.
“When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice,” he stated.
He later declared:
“I’ve got just three words for you: MYB — Mind Your Business. Go and find someone else to pour your frustration on. Not here. As for me and my family, we’re good.”
The singer questioned what critics stood to gain from his children’s language skills.
“Again, what exactly do you stand to gain if my children speak Nigerian languages? How does that improve your life? MYB — Mind Your Business. Cry harder.”
He doubled down on his view that Nigerian languages offer little practical help, noting that English remains the country’s official language.
“Again and again… who has speaking a Nigerian language helped? The official language of Nigeria is English, yet this is what you’re worried about? You all aren’t ready. The joke is on you.”
Mr P also accused some critics of hypocrisy, arguing that many of them would gladly raise their own children abroad or seek foreign citizenship if given the chance.
“With everything going on in Nigeria, your biggest concern is whether my children speak Nigerian languages? Focus on the real issues and let people raise their families the way they choose. Ndi ala.”
In further posts, he reiterated that out of all the challenges facing the country, language choice for his kids should not keep anyone awake at night.