By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Popular singer Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P of the defunct P-Square music group, has defended his decision to allow his children to speak French, following a wave of criticisms from social media users who queried if the kids could speak Igbo.
The drama began on Monday after the singer posted an update on X from Paris, expressing delight at how fluently his children were speaking French while in the European country.
“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,” Mr P wrote.
The post quickly drew mixed reactions from netizens who questioned both his cultural choices and financial standing.
An X user, @AmadiegwuObinna, questioned the singer’s financial capability to purchase a property in France, writing, “Can you afford a crib in Paris Mr. P? Just saying, you dont generate much revenues as before…. My thoughts sha. Well all the best man.”
Another user, @IfyPecs, pressed on the language issue, commenting, “Hope they also speak Igbo fluently tho.”
Joining the debate, @Atoyebi_Damie criticized the emphasis on foreign languages over indigenous culture, asking, “Can they speak your native language effortlessly?? Or we just keep glorifying our slave masters.”
However, another user, @EmmanuelKasie, took a different stance, stating that the singer was free to spend his money as he wished without needing public validation.
“It’s ur money, nobody can tell you what to do with it so telling us here doesn’t hold water. We didn’t stop you from separating from your brother, now house we go stop you?” the user commented.
The exchange intensified after another user, @sambuddybest, also asked, “Hope they can speak Igbo, too?”
Reacting to the pushback, the music star dismissed the practical value of indigenous tongues, writing, “And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.”
His response triggered further debate online, with several users stressing the importance of teaching children their native languages to preserve cultural heritage, while others maintained that parenting choices remain the sole prerogative of the parents.
Firing back at the criticism, Mr P insisted that language choices in a home are strictly personal, writing, “When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice.”
In a follow-up series of posts, the singer urged critics to focus on their own lives and leave his family out of public scrutiny.
“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. Go and find another place to pour your frustration,” he stated.
He further questioned why strangers were invested in his children’s linguistic abilities, arguing that speaking local languages adds no tangible value to anyone else.
“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 added.
The singer went on to state that English remains Nigeria’s official medium of communication, questioning why people were prioritizing local dialects over pressing national issues.
“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?” he wrote.
Expressing further frustration, he accused his critics of hypocrisy, suggesting that many of those attacking him would eagerly relocate their families out of the country if given the chance.
“Meanwhile, many of the same people criticizing me would jump at the chance to get foreign citizenship or raise their own children abroad if they had the opportunity. 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 his final posts on the matter, the singer wrote: “Out of all the real issues facing the country, this is what keeps you awake? Una never ready for our country. Ndi nchu.”
