Afrobeats star D’banj has called on Nigerians and relevant authorities to step in and mediate the ongoing dispute between P-Square’s Peter and Paul Okoye and their former manager and brother, Jude Okoye.
The conflict, which has drawn significant public attention, involves allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement.
Speaking during an interview with Adesope Live, D’banj expressed concern over the rift and urged the parties involved to seek reconciliation.
He highlighted the value of P-Square’s legacy and musical catalogue, emphasizing that the brothers’ impact on Nigerian music history must not be overshadowed by personal disagreements.
“The saga between Peter and Jude is a very sad one. When you want to fight, you only know the beginning; you really do not know the end, even if you are right or wrong,” D’banj said.
He revealed that he had recently spoken with Peter Okoye and believes there is still hope for resolution through open communication. “For the legacy that God has built through them, is why I feel that there can be a proper intervention. I know that they have tried because I flew with Peter recently and we spoke. He shared one or two things with me, and all I could tell him was, I’m so sure that there is still a chance [of reconciliation]. It’s all about dialogue,” he said.
Addressing the financial aspect of the feud, D’banj pointed out the commercial value of P-Square’s catalogue. “If it’s an even money issue, there’s no better time because you guys own your catalogue. Some global music executives have been trying to buy my catalogue for over a decade, but I kept it because I know how big it can get when it is my time for it,” he stated.
He further appealed to mentors and national figures to facilitate dialogue, suggesting that a higher authority may be necessary. “I would like to beg anyone who is a mentor to them because this is beyond us, their colleagues. I think it has to be someone that they would respect, if possible, the nation [federal government]. I know that there are cases here and there, but they can still be resolved,” he added.
D’banj recalled a similar intervention by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a financial dispute involving Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha. He expressed hope that a similar approach could be adopted in resolving the P-Square matter.
“I remember one time when there was a bank that closed up in Nigeria, and it had Jay Jay Okocha’s money. I was a young boy then, but I still remember the story. They shut down with all the money Jay Jay worked for, and he cried out. The then President [Olusegun] Obasanjo intervened and said, ‘I know you guys have a structure to sort people out, but this boy who has made us proud, get him his money.’”
He concluded by urging institutions like the Bank of Industry to consider stepping in. “I believe something like that can happen in this case, where if it is a money or an agreement thing, the relevant institutions, whether it is the Bank of Industry, can come and just help structure that for them.”
