Peter P-Square defends his kids speaking French instead of Igbo

Singer Peter Okoye, known as Mr P from the now-defunct P-Square group, has stood up for his kids speaking French. This came after some social media users questioned if they could speak Igbo too. He believes parents should have the freedom to raise their kids how they want.

The discussion started on Monday when Mr P shared a post from Paris on X. He shared how impressed he was with how easily his kids speak French.

“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.

What started as a simple thought about living abroad turned into a debate about language and culture. One user on X, @sambuddybest, asked, “Hope they can speak Igbo, too?”

Mr P replied by questioning the usefulness of Nigerian languages.

“And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg,” he wrote.

His reply sparked mixed reactions online. Some people said that teaching kids local languages helps keep cultural identity alive. Others supported Mr P’s right to raise his children how he sees fit.

As the criticism grew, Mr P insisted that language choices in families should be personal.

“When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice,” he wrote.

Later, Mr P made more posts, brushing off the criticism and telling people to focus on their own lives.

“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,” the singer said.

He questioned why strangers cared about the languages his kids spoke.

“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,” Mr P said.

He also pointed out that speaking local Nigerian languages has not brought much practical gain, noting that English is Nigeria’s official language.

“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 accused some critics of being hypocrites. He suggested that many would prefer to move abroad and raise their kids outside Nigeria if they could.

“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, he repeated his thoughts, saying, “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.