Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has defended his children’s ability to speak French following criticism over comments he made about Nigerian languages.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okoye came under criticism after posting on his X handle about his children’s fluency in French during a visit to Paris.
“Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris,” he wrote.
The post generated mixed reactions, with some social media users urging him to prioritise teaching his children indigenous Nigerian languages.
Reacting to the criticism, Okoye said the choice of language children learn should be left to their parents.
He maintained that English remained Nigeria’s official language and argued that speaking an indigenous language had not been a determining factor for success.
The singer also suggested that many of those criticising him would embrace similar opportunities for their children if they had the chance to live abroad.
He urged Nigerians to focus on issues affecting national development rather than his family’s language preferences.
NAN reports that P-Square, made up of Peter and his twin brother Paul Okoye, rose to prominence with chart-topping songs such as Personally, Beautiful Onyinye, Chop My Money, Do Me, Bank Alert and Alingo.
The group split in 2017 over internal disagreements, reunited in 2021 and separated again in 2024 following renewed disputes involving their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, over alleged financial misappropriation.
