Peter P-Square apologises over ‘Naija language’ remark, denies attacking Igbo

n n

Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has apologised over his controversial comments questioning the value of Nigerian languages, saying his remarks were misunderstood and were never intended as an attack on the Igbo language or culture.

n

The former P-Square member made the clarification in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, days after his response to a social media user sparked widespread criticism online.

n

“If my response to ‘Who Naija language help?’ upset some people, I apologize and take full responsibility for my words. That doesn’t mean I hate Nigerian languages or our culture,” he wrote.

n

Mr P explained that the controversy stemmed from what he described as an innocent post about his children speaking French while they were in Paris.

n

“It all started from an innocent tweet where I said my kids speak French, and it made me think maybe I should buy a house in Paris. Somehow, that turned into something completely different,” he said.

n

The singer insisted that he never singled out the Igbo language in his comments.

n

“At no point did I say I hate the Igbo language or Igbo culture. I said ‘Naija language,’ referring to the different languages in Nigeria, but some individuals twisted it and made it seem like I specifically mentioned Igbo. I didn’t.

n

“That said, I still take responsibility for how my words were received.”

n

Mr P also accused an unnamed individual of exploiting the controversy to tarnish his image, saying similar attempts had been made in the past.

n

“But again, bro, you’re at it again, using this moment as another opportunity to pull me down. Just like I wrote in my open letter two years ago, doing everything possible to make people hate me will never work,” he wrote.

n

He acknowledged that he deserved criticism over his statement but condemned what he described as deliberate misrepresentation of his comments.

n

“Yes, people are dragging me over my statement, and that’s okay. We all have moments where our words can be misunderstood or where we could have expressed ourselves better. I accept that. But deliberately twisting my words and using petty tactics to damage my reputation says a lot.”

n

The singer further accused the individual of repeatedly making derogatory remarks about him, including mocking him for dancing at his age.

n

“I don’t know why you look for every opportunity to make derisive comments or jump on the bandwagon whenever I’m being attacked. The other time, you threw shades at me and even age-shamed me for still dancing at my age. Now it’s this again.”

n

He concluded by saying he would no longer ignore such criticisms.

n

“At this point, I think it’s only fair I start giving the same energy I receive. No more Mr. Nice Guy.

n

“It’s aura for aura, Egusi for Egusi, Oha for Oha.”

n

The controversy began after Mr P posted from Paris that watching his children speak French fluently made him consider buying a house in the French capital.n

n

When an X user asked whether his children could also speak Igbo, the singer replied, “And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.”

n

The remark drew criticism from many social media users, with some arguing that indigenous languages are essential to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while others defended his right to decide how his children are raised.

n n