Dare Babalola
Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, one half of the former music duo P-Square, has responded sharply to criticism over his decision to move his birthday celebration date, describing the reactions as unnecessary and exaggerated.
The controversy followed his earlier announcement that he would no longer mark his birthday on November 18, opting instead to celebrate it on November 30.
He had clarified that the shift was a personal choice and urged fans not to send messages or gifts on the former date.
Reacting in a post shared on Tuesday via his X account, the singer expressed disbelief at the backlash trailing the announcement.
In a casual tone, he questioned why many appeared offended by a decision that affects only him.
“Una dey vex like say I cancel Christmas? Na my birthday date I move no be your own, why e dey pain you?” he wrote.
He further poked fun at the criticism by referencing ongoing debates about the birth date of Jesus Christ, suggesting that even widely accepted dates are still contested.
“Even Jesus Christ December 25th date sef, people still dey debate am. Why cry more than the bereaved? Only in Nigeria,” he added.
The artiste also argued that the attention being given to the issue was misplaced, especially in light of more pressing national concerns.
“Funny how my birthday date shift is causing more pain than Nigeria’s real problems,” he stated, adding, “Insult no dey reduce success. Who don make am, don make am! Know that and know peace.”
Peter Okoye rose to prominence alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye under the P-Square brand, which dominated the African music scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s. However, the group experienced multiple internal conflicts over the years.
Their highly publicised split, which became evident around 2015, involved disagreements over management handled by their elder brother, Jude Okoye, as well as disputes over royalties and creative direction. The duo eventually parted ways in 2017 to pursue separate careers.
Although they reunited in 2021 to the excitement of fans and released new material together, tensions reportedly resurfaced later, particularly around financial dealings and catalogue management, leading to renewed disagreements within the Okoye family.
