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

Singer Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has issued an apology for his recent controversial comments regarding the value of Nigerian languages, asserting that his remarks were misinterpreted and not intended as an attack on the Igbo language or culture. The clarification comes after his response to a social media user sparked widespread criticism.

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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.

In a post on his X handle, Okoye stated, "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 explained that the controversy originated from an "innocent tweet" where he mentioned his children speaking French while in Paris, which led him to ponder purchasing a house there. This comment, he claims, was subsequently twisted into something entirely different.

Okoye emphasized that he never singled out the Igbo language. "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," he stated, while still accepting responsibility for how his words were received.

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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.

The singer also accused an unnamed individual of exploiting the situation to damage his reputation, a tactic he claims has been used against him before. He acknowledged that criticism for his statement is valid, but condemned what he described as deliberate misrepresentation. "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," he wrote. Okoye concluded by stating his intention to reciprocate the energy he receives, signaling an end to his passive approach to such criticisms.

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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.