Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, better known as Mr P, has found himself at the centre of another social media conversation after a post celebrating his children’s French-speaking ability sparked a wider debate about culture and indigenous languages.
The discussion began during the singer’s stay in Paris, where he shared a proud family moment with his followers on X.
“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. 🙏✨”
The post was intended as a light-hearted reflection, but it quickly attracted thousands of reactions from Nigerians who steered the conversation in a different direction.
https://x.com/i/status/2081561029989806538
Instead of focusing on the children’s fluency in French, many followers repeatedly asked whether they could also communicate in Igbo, the singer’s native language.
One user wrote:
“Hope they can speak Igbo, too?”
Another added:
“Hope they also speak Igbo effortlessly otherwise……”
Others expressed stronger opinions, with one commenter asking:
“Can they speak your native language effortlessly? Or we just keep glorifying our slave masters.”
Another simply remarked:
“Can they also speak Igbo? Lost people.”
As more similar comments flooded the post, the conversation shifted from a family update to a broader discussion about preserving Nigerian languages among children raised abroad.
The growing criticism prompted Mr P to defend his family’s choices, maintaining that decisions about his children’s upbringing should remain a private matter.
Rather than allowing the debate to fade, the singer later returned to X with another message, suggesting he was unbothered by the criticism.
“Some of una never ready. Una learn new thing…
📌 Unto the next one… 🇺🇸US/🇨🇦Canada get ready for the big announcement! Mr P is coming….”
Although the latest post focused on his upcoming activities, many followers viewed it as another response to those questioning his parenting decisions.
The debate has since divided social media users.
Supporters argued that children living overseas naturally become fluent in the language of their environment and that parents should not be criticised for embracing multilingual education.
Others insisted that teaching indigenous languages remains an important responsibility for Nigerian parents regardless of where they live.
One commenter wrote:
“Nigerian language helped your career and made you who you are today. Your kids knowing your native language should be a priority.”
Another questioned why the singer, who occasionally uses Igbo in his music, would not place equal emphasis on teaching the language at home.
The conversation also inspired humorous reactions.
One user recreated Mr P’s original Paris message from a local perspective, writing:
“Still in the village! Watching my kids speak Igbo so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to build a crib here in Ifitedunu. Just a thought.”
The parody quickly gained attention as the online discussion continued to grow.
What started as a simple post celebrating his children’s language skills has now evolved into a national conversation about identity, parenting and the importance of preserving indigenous languages in an increasingly globalised world.
Despite the differing opinions, Mr P has shown no sign of revisiting his position, choosing instead to focus on his upcoming projects while allowing the debate to continue among his followers.
