Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P of the former P-Square music group, has defended his decision to allow his children to speak French after a social media debate erupted over whether they also speak Igbo, Nigeria’s indigenous language.
The discussion began on Monday after the singer shared a post from Paris on X, expressing pride in how naturally his children communicate in French and reflecting on the possibility of spending more time in the city.
“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.
The post, which appeared to be a personal reflection about family life and travel, soon attracted comments about culture, identity, and the importance of preserving Nigerian languages.
One user, @sambuddybest, responded by asking whether the children could also speak Igbo.
“Hope they can speak Igbo, too?” the user wrote.
Mr P replied by questioning the practical benefits of speaking Nigerian indigenous languages, a response that sparked mixed reactions online.
“And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg,” he wrote.
The comment triggered a wider discussion among social media users, with some arguing that indigenous languages play an important role in preserving cultural heritage, family identity, and connection to ancestral roots. Others supported the singer’s position, saying parents should have the freedom to decide what languages and values they prioritize when raising their children.
As the debate continued, Mr P maintained that decisions about parenting should remain personal choices.
“When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice,” he wrote.
The singer later shared more posts criticizing those who continued to question his family’s choices, urging them to focus on issues outside his personal life.
“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,” Mr P said.
He also questioned why some people were concerned about the languages spoken by his children and what impact that would have on their own lives.
“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 said.
The singer further argued that English remains Nigeria’s official language and questioned the emphasis placed on indigenous languages by his critics.
“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?
“Una never ready. The joke is on you.”
Mr P also accused some critics of holding inconsistent views, claiming that many people who criticize others for living abroad or raising children in foreign environments would make similar choices if given the opportunity.
“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 another post, the singer repeated his position that public attention should focus on broader national challenges rather than personal family decisions.
“With everything going on in Nigeria, your biggest concern is whether my children speak Nigerian languages?
“Out of all the real issues facing the country, this is what keeps you awake?
“Una never ready for our country. Ndi nchu.”
The exchange has since reignited conversations around parenting choices, language preservation, and the balance between global exposure and maintaining cultural identity among Nigerian families living in an increasingly connected world.