Nigerian music legend Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P and formerly one-half of the iconic duo P-Square, has dismissed public backlash over his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30, calling the reaction excessive and unwarranted. In a direct response shared on Tuesday via X, the singer emphasized that the change is a personal matter and questioned why it has drawn such strong criticism from the public. He stressed that the new date does not affect anyone else and urged people to respect his private choice, comparing it to the ongoing debates over the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Okoye expressed surprise at how his personal decision has sparked widespread outrage, especially when compared to more pressing national issues. He pointed out that the level of public concern over his birthday shift seems disproportionate to the real challenges facing Nigeria. “Why cry more than the bereaved? Only in Nigeria, funny how my birthday date shift is causing more pain than Nigeria’s real problems,” he wrote, highlighting what he sees as misplaced priorities among Nigerians. His message carried a firm tone, reminding critics that insults cannot diminish his success. “Insult no dey reduce success. Who don make am, don make am! Know that and know peace,” he concluded.
The announcement of the birthday change came amid growing scrutiny over Okoye’s public persona and personal decisions. While some fans and social media users expressed confusion or disappointment, others supported his right to make personal choices without public interference. Okoye’s decision to stop marking or accepting gifts on his original birthday date has been interpreted by some as a symbolic gesture, possibly tied to his ongoing personal and professional journey following the split from his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
The Okoye brothers rose to fame as P-Square in the 2000s, becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential music acts with hits like “E No Easy” and “Last Last.” Their partnership faced strain in 2015 due to disagreements over management and royalty distribution, leading to their first major split. By 2017, they officially parted ways, with Peter adopting the stage name Mr P and Paul performing as Rudeboy. Although they reunited in 2021 to release music together, tensions resurfaced over financial and managerial issues, casting a shadow over their collaboration.
Despite the controversies, Peter Okoye remains a major figure in Nigerian music, with a loyal fan base and a legacy that continues to influence the industry. His latest statement reflects his determination to maintain control over his personal life and career, even in the face of public scrutiny. As he moves forward with his new birthday date, the conversation underscores the evolving relationship between Nigerian celebrities and their audiences, where personal decisions often become public debates. This moment may mark a turning point in how fans and critics engage with artists’ private lives in the digital age.
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