Pauline OdhiamboNigerian music star Peter Okoye has fired back at critics over his decision to shift his birthday celebration from 18 November — a date he long shared with his twin brother Paul Okoye — to 30 November, insisting the public outcry is both unnecessary and wildly exaggerated.
The artist, professionally known as Mr P and one-half of the now-defunct P-Square musical duo, took to social media on Tuesday, 21 April, to address the growing online uproar.
Peter’s decision to abandon 18 November — the date he shared with his estranged twin brother Paul Okoye — is being interpreted by many as yet another symbolic severing of ties.
What began as a simple personal announcement — moving his special day to 30 November — has spiralled into a full-blown social media debate.
But for Peter, the debate is baffling. In a post written in Pidgin English, he questioned the public’s indignation, stating: “I just moved my birthday date… it’s not your own, why does it pain you?”
The 44-year-old artist further questioned why some Nigerians were channelling energy into his personal decisions rather than pressing national issues, saying: “It’s funny how my birthday date shift is causing more pain than Nigeria’s real problems.”
But many critics say, behind the birthday drama lies a deeper, more turbulent family relationship.
The twin brothers first fell out in 2015 over management and royalty disputes, leading to a six-year estrangement during which Peter pursued a solo career as Mr P while Paul performed as Rudeboy.
They eventually reunited in 2021, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
However, tensions later resurfaced after Peter filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2024 accusing his elder brother and former manager Jude Okoye of diverting millions in P-Square royalties into a secret company — a case that hit a snag when the EFCC later admitted it had no evidence to support the claim.
Paul and Peter Okoye, who rose to pan-African fame with P-Square in the 2000s, delivered a string of unforgettable hits including ‘Chop My Money’ and the globally celebrated ‘Personally’.
For now, Mr P stands firm. 30 November is his new birthday. And he wants the world — especially the critics — to simply get over it.
