D’banj Pleads for Federal Government’s Intervention in P-Square Family Feud
Veteran Afrobeats star, D’banj, has called on the Nigerian federal government and respected industry figures to intervene in the long-running dispute among the Okoye brothers—Peter, Paul, and their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.
Speaking during a recent interview with Adesope Live, D’banj described the feud as “a very sad one” and urged all parties involved to pursue reconciliation through dialogue. He emphasized that the rift has gone beyond mere personal differences and now carries implications for the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most iconic music groups, P-Square.
“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. “For the legacy that God has built through them, I feel there can be proper intervention.”
The conflict within the Okoye family intensified after Peter Okoye filed a lawsuit against Jude and his company, Northside Entertainment, alleging financial misconduct. Paul Okoye, in defense of Jude, publicly accused Peter of attempting to tarnish their elder brother’s reputation, dragging him into a reported $1 million fraud controversy. The case is currently in court and has sparked widespread public interest and debate.
D’banj revealed that he recently spoke with Peter Okoye during a flight and came away hopeful about the possibility of reconciliation. He pointed out that with ownership of their music catalogue, a business-oriented resolution is still possible.
“If it’s even a money issue, there’s no better time because you guys own your catalogue,” he said. “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. Same with P-Square’s catalogue—it’s enormous. They don’t have to be a group anymore, but they can agree to resolve their issues.”
He further appealed to mentors and national institutions to step in, citing a historical precedent involving Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, whose savings were reportedly lost when a bank closed down. D’banj recalled that then-President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened on Okocha’s behalf, expressing hope that a similar gesture could be extended to the Okoye brothers.
“I would like to beg anyone that is a mentor to them because this is beyond us, their colleagues,” he added. “If possible, the nation—federal government—should get involved. Whether it’s the Bank of Industry or any relevant institution, they can help structure a resolution.”
D’banj’s heartfelt appeal adds a significant voice to growing calls for unity among the Okoye brothers, whose music once defined an era and brought global recognition to Nigerian pop culture.