The world of Nigerian music was once dominated by the iconic duo, P-Square, consisting of twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye. Their harmonious blend of R&B, Afrobeat, and pop catapulted them to international stardom. However, the group’s unity has been marred by publicized disputes, leading to their initial split in 2016, a brief reunion in 2021, and now, another split. The recent fallout between the brothers has taken an emotional turn, with Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P, penning an open letter to his twin brother, Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy.
In this heartfelt letter, which Mr. P shared on his verified Facebook page, he accused his brother of disrespect, not just towards him but also towards his wife and family. This accusation comes on the heels of an interview Rudeboy granted last month, where he revealed that P-Square had split once again, though he did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision.
Rudeboy claimed in the interview that the success of the group was largely due to his own efforts, highlighting his role in writing most of their hit songs. This statement did not sit well with Mr. P, who felt compelled to respond, stating that his brother’s comments were not only disrespectful but also discrediting of his own contributions to the group.
In the letter, Mr. P expressed his dismay over Rudeboy’s consistent use of “I” and “me” in interviews, despite the fact that P-Square’s success was a result of their combined efforts. He emphasized that the magic of P-Square lay in their collaboration, not in the individual efforts of either brother. He pointed out that while he has always acknowledged and praised his brother’s songwriting abilities, Rudeboy has never reciprocated, instead choosing to undermine him.
Mr. P further criticized Rudeboy for turning P-Square into a “laughingstock” by failing to appreciate the opportunity they had to rebuild their brand after their first split. He lamented the loss of what made P-Square special: their unity and the unique blend of their talents.
The letter also touched on deeper family issues, with Mr. P accusing Rudeboy of siding with their older brother, Jude, in marginalizing and humiliating him. He expressed frustration over Rudeboy’s claims of being the sole force behind P-Square’s success, sarcastically conceding 100% of the credit to him.
Mr. P questioned whether their individual careers as Mr. P and Rudeboy have been able to match the success they once enjoyed together as P-Square. He pointed out that neither of them has been able to sell out arenas or top charts the way P-Square once did, a fact that underscores the strength they had as a duo.
Perhaps the most poignant part of the letter is Mr. P’s reflection on the impact of their feud on their fans. He expressed concern that their ongoing disputes have not only disappointed their fans but have also driven a wedge between them and the public. Despite the hurt and disappointment, Mr. P concluded the letter by wishing his brother well, even as he expressed a desire to move on and focus on his solo music career in peace.
The letter ends with a cryptic reference to an “EFCC matter,” which Mr. P promised to address later. This leaves fans and followers with yet another layer of intrigue, as they wait to hear more about the unresolved issues between the brothers.
This open letter from Mr. P serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can arise in both family and professional relationships. It highlights the deep wounds that can be inflicted when respect, recognition, and unity are lost. As fans, we can only hope that the brothers find a way to heal these rifts, whether or not they choose to reunite as P-Square again.
