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Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind — Peter PSquare

From The Punch · (7h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigerian music star Peter Okoye (Mr P) dismissed claims that women caused the renewed rift within the Okoye family, attributing the dispute to long-standing disagreements over loyalty, trust, and business management.
  • Okoye stated that the issues predated marriages and involved betrayal and theft occurring over 20 years ago, emphasizing that he prioritizes his peace of mind over familial ties.
  • The dispute remains unresolved and is currently in legal proceedings, with past splits and reconciliations between P-Square members Peter and Paul Okoye, and their brother Jude Okoye, cited as context.

The public narrative surrounding the Okoye family's internal strife has often sought to blame external factors, particularly women, for the persistent rifts. However, music star Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has vehemently pushed back against this simplistic framing. In recent statements, he clarified that the core issues stem from deep-seated problems within the family, including alleged betrayal, theft, and mismanagement of their once-unified music empire, P-Square.

Before you drag any woman into this! No woman directed or advised anyone to steal from what I worked for over the years. Stop pushing that narrative to suit your agenda.

— Mr PResponding to public narratives linking women to the family's breakdown.

Okoye stressed that these conflicts were present long before any marriages within the family, pointing to a history of "betrayal and stealing" that began over two decades ago. He asserted that no woman influenced these decisions, urging the public to cease pushing a narrative that deflects from the fundamental issues of trust and loyalty. For Mr P, the decision to distance himself and set boundaries is a matter of self-preservation and protecting his mental well-being, even if it means confronting criticism.

None of us were even married 20-something years ago when this whole betrayal and stealing started! I said what I said.

— Mr PEmphasizing the long-standing nature of the disputes.

"Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind," Okoye declared, highlighting a profound shift in his priorities. He explained that even if his parents were alive and condoned such behavior, he would still choose to step back and protect his peace. This stance underscores the gravity of the alleged betrayals he has endured over the past 20 years.

Yes, it’s painful. And yes, it’s my loss. But no one should keep reminding me that I was betrayed and used by my own blood for over 20 years plus.

— Mr PExpressing the emotional toll of the alleged betrayals.

The dispute has now escalated to the legal arena, with Okoye confirming ongoing court proceedings. This legal battle is the latest chapter in the tumultuous history of the Okoye brothers, which has seen multiple splits and attempted reconciliations. The situation also involves their elder brother, Jude Okoye, who faces allegations of money laundering and royalty diversion, charges he denies. From a Nigerian perspective, family business disputes are not uncommon, but the scale and public nature of this saga, involving such prominent artists, captivate national attention.

Even if my parents were alive and supported this kind of betrayal, I’d still choose to step back, cut them off and protect my peace. Boundaries are necessary! Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind.

— Mr PExplaining his decision to prioritize his mental health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.