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Afrobeats star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has ignited a heated debate on social media after suggesting that Nigeria’s indigenous languages offer little practical value, a remark that has drawn criticism from fans and cultural enthusiasts.
The singer made the controversial statement while sharing moments from his family holiday in Paris, France, where he expressed pride in his children’s ability to communicate fluently in French.
Taking to his X account, Mr P revealed that watching his children speak the language so effortlessly had left him seriously considering buying a home in the French capital.
“Still in Paris! Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris,” he wrote.
His post attracted thousands of reactions, with many followers praising him for exposing his children to different cultures and languages at an early age.
However, the conversation quickly shifted after one follower asked whether the children could also communicate in their native language.
“Hope they can speak Igbo, too?” the fan asked.
Instead of simply answering the question, Peter responded with a remark that immediately triggered widespread reactions online.
“And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg,” he wrote.
The statement quickly went viral across social media platforms, with many Nigerians accusing the singer of downplaying the importance of indigenous languages despite building part of his successful music career around African culture.
Several users argued that local languages remain an important part of Nigeria’s identity, helping to preserve history, traditions and cultural heritage across generations.
Others pointed out that indigenous languages also serve practical purposes by strengthening communication within communities and promoting cultural pride.
Many critics also highlighted the irony of Peter’s comments, noting that numerous songs recorded during his time as one-half of the now-defunct music duo P-Square incorporated Igbo expressions and other Nigerian languages, contributing to the group’s distinctive sound.
According to them, those cultural elements helped make the duo’s music relatable to millions of listeners across Nigeria and Africa.
Some social media users further argued that the global success of Afrobeats itself is built on the richness of African identity, including local languages, fashion and traditions.
Over the years, Nigerian artistes have increasingly blended English with indigenous languages such as Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin English, creating a sound that resonates both locally and internationally.
Songs featuring indigenous lyrics have continued to dominate streaming platforms while exposing global audiences to Nigerian cultures.
Beyond entertainment, language experts often emphasise that native languages play an important role in preserving identity, history and traditional knowledge.
Across Nigeria, efforts have continued to encourage younger generations to learn indigenous languages amid concerns that increasing urbanisation and globalisation are contributing to declining fluency among many children.
UNESCO has also repeatedly warned that many indigenous languages around the world face the risk of gradual extinction if they are no longer passed from one generation to another.
While foreign languages such as French remain valuable for international communication, education and business, many educators argue that multilingualism allows children to benefit from both global opportunities and their cultural roots.
Peter’s comments have therefore reopened a familiar conversation about balancing international exposure with the preservation of indigenous identity.
The debate also reflects a broader discussion among Nigerians about whether parents should prioritise teaching their children foreign languages alongside their native tongues.
Despite the backlash, Peter has yet to issue any clarification or expand on what he meant by his remarks.
The singer remains one of Nigeria’s most recognised music stars, enjoying success both as part of P-Square and as a solo artiste under the stage name Mr P.
Although his latest comments have divided opinion, they have once again demonstrated the influence celebrities wield in shaping conversations around culture, identity and national values.
As reactions continue to pour in, the discussion has moved beyond Peter Okoye’s personal opinion, becoming part of a larger national debate about the place of indigenous languages in an increasingly globalised world.
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