What began as an offhand remark about French versus Igbo has reopened one of Nigerian music's longest-running family disputes, one that now spans a seven-part video series, an ongoing EFCC prosecution and renewed public scrutiny of P-Square's business affairs.
Peter "Mr P" Okoye, one half of the now-defunct music duo P-Square, is several episodes into a tell-all video series accusing his twin brother, Paul "Rudeboy" Okoye, and their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, of diverting royalties, withholding financial records and locking him out of aspects of the group's business operations. The allegations, released in instalments since late July, have also drawn in Jude's wife, reignited conversations around an ongoing EFCC case and divided fans online.
Jude has denied the allegations, describing several of Peter's claims as false and maintaining that matters relating to the group's finances have already been addressed during the EFCC investigation and are now before the court.
Here is everything that has happened so far.
How It Started: The "Useless" Language Remark
The latest round of hostilities traces back to an exchange on X in late July. Mr P had posted that he was considering buying a house in Paris after his children began speaking French fluently. When a user asked whether his children could also speak Igbo, Mr P questioned what Nigerian languages had helped him achieve, a comment that drew swift backlash online.
Rudeboy later shared a post that many users interpreted as a subtle jab at his brother. Mr P responded by accusing Rudeboy of twisting his comments to damage his reputation and declared he was done trying to keep the peace.
"No more Mr Nice Guy. It's aura for aura, Egusi for Egusi, Oha for Oha," he wrote, while also referencing an earlier incident in which he said Rudeboy mocked him for still dancing at his age.
The Tell-All Series Begins
Days later, Mr P began releasing a multi-part Instagram video series recounting, from his perspective, the events that led to P-Square's repeated breakups.
In the early episodes, he described the duo's widely celebrated 2021 reunion as a "fake reunion," alleging that the cordial relationship fans witnessed publicly did not reflect what was happening behind the scenes.
In another instalment, Mr P claimed that the day after reconciling with Paul, he was invited to his brother's house only to find Jude waiting for what became a meeting that, according to him, fundamentally changed his understanding of the reunion.
As the series progressed, the allegations intensified. Mr P alleged that Jude claimed ownership of P-Square, withheld financial records, delayed his access to the group's catalogue backend and mishandled royalty payments. He further claimed that Jude and Paul later instructed lawyers to demand that he stop performing P-Square songs, with Jude allegedly asserting ownership of the P-Square name.
Mr P also alleged that EFCC investigators discovered two mansions located near his residence that he claims were acquired with diverted royalty funds, and further alleged that Jude operated a Northside Music bank account in his wife's name. These allegations have not been determined by the court.
In the latest instalment released this week, Mr P broadened his accusations to include Rudeboy directly, marking a shift from earlier episodes that focused primarily on Jude.
Jude Okoye Fires Back
Jude has not remained silent.
In a video titled "Debunking the Lies," released in early August, he rejected Mr P's allegations, denying any diversion of royalty payments or financial misconduct.
Displaying documents he said supported his position, Jude maintained that Peter remained a signatory to P-Square's accounts and had received royalty payments for years. Addressing one specific allegation concerning a reported $25,000 royalty payment, Jude argued that the transfer was carried out based on instructions Peter himself had previously given.
He also questioned Peter's decision to revisit the matter publicly while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
"So what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?" he said.
Jude further argued that issues relating to royalty payments, account signatories and financial records had already formed part of the EFCC investigation and are now before the Federal High Court.
The EFCC Case Looming Over Everything
The public dispute has unfolded alongside an ongoing criminal case involving Jude Okoye.
The EFCC charged the former P-Square manager with alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude has pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the matter remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
During the proceedings, Mr P testified as a prosecution witness, while Rudeboy has publicly defended Jude, highlighting the deep divisions that now exist within the family.
Rudeboy's Camp Responds
While Rudeboy has largely avoided addressing the allegations in detail, his camp acknowledged the renewed public interest in the dispute this week.
In a statement shared by his management, the team said it was aware of the ongoing conversations surrounding the matter but would not engage in public exchanges over family issues. It also urged the public to rely on verified information while reiterating that Rudeboy remains focused on his music.
Ify Okoye Breaks Her Silence
The controversy has also drawn in Jude's wife, Ify Okoye.
In his video series, Mr P alleged that Jude attempted to transfer part of his ownership stake in the P-Square management structure to Ify, a move he claimed did not succeed.
Ify later responded with a social media post referencing the biblical story of Ananias and Sapphira, widely interpreted by online observers as an indirect response to the allegations. She did not directly address Mr P by name.
Fans Pick Sides
The dispute has also played out across social media, where fans have largely split into camps supporting either Peter or Paul.
Some supporters have encouraged others to subscribe to Mr P's YouTube channel and stream his latest single, I Can't Look Away, while others have criticised him for taking the family dispute into the public domain.
Where Things Stand
Mr P has indicated that his video series is not over, saying he intends to continue sharing his account of the events surrounding P-Square's collapse.
Jude, meanwhile, has maintained that the allegations against him are false and has insisted that the court process should be allowed to run its course.
Rudeboy has continued to focus publicly on his music while largely refraining from responding to the substance of Peter's allegations.
With fresh episodes still being released and the Federal High Court case yet to be concluded, the P-Square saga remains one of the most closely watched stories in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
Editor's Note: This story reflects publicly available information and court proceedings as of publication. Allegations referenced are attributed to the parties involved unless otherwise stated. The criminal proceedings against Jude Okoye remain ongoing, and no findings of guilt have been made by the court.
