Peter Okoye has strongly refuted accusations of song theft leveled by his brother Paul, while sharing evidence to support his ownership of the contested track “Winning.” The controversy marks another difficult moment in the relationship between the former Psquare bandmates, whose personal and professional lives have become increasingly entangled in public disagreements.
The dispute erupted when Paul Okoye publicly accused his twin brother and a former producer of appropriating a song titled “Winning,” which Paul claimed he had written and planned to produce in the upcoming year. In response, Peter took to social media to share a recorded phone conversation with the song’s producer, asserting his legitimate ownership of the track.
Person no dey thief him own Property! It is well!” Peter declared in his social media statement, proceeding to outline the creative team behind the song. According to his post, “Winning” was written and composed collaboratively by himself and Calypso60music, with production credits going to Vampire Official and co-production by Goldswarm.
The producer involved in the controversy has since come forward with his account, revealing that “Winning” was actually produced and recorded in 2022. He explained that he had provided stems to Psquare for mixing and mastering purposes before departing Lagos, suggesting a more complex timeline than initially presented in Paul’s accusations.
This latest disagreement occurs against a backdrop of broader family conflicts involving the twins and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. In June 2023, reports emerged about tensions within the family regarding alleged misappropriation of joint funds by Jude Okoye. The situation intensified when Paul and Jude were reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in July 2024, though Paul later celebrated receiving clearance from the commission.
The financial aspects of the family dispute took a more serious turn when Peter revealed he had filed a petition with the EFCC against Jude Okoye after allegedly discovering the diversion of funds into a secret account shared with Jude’s wife. This revelation came in response to Paul’s public statements about the EFCC involvement, adding another layer to the already complex family dynamic.
In what appears to be a plea for peace amid the growing tensions, Peter addressed his brother directly: “Allow me to do my music in peace. Now that I have a new single out, please allow me to enjoy my new single, WINNING, in peace. Enough of the negativity!”
However, the rift seems to extend beyond musical ownership. Peter has expressed frustration over what he perceives as his twin brother’s alignment with Jude Okoye, claiming this alliance has led to his marginalization and humiliation. He further alleged ongoing disrespect from Paul towards his wife, family, talent, and creative ideas.
The current situation represents a significant departure from the brothers’ successful past as Psquare, once one of Africa’s most celebrated musical duos. Their public disagreements have evolved from professional differences to encompass personal relationships and financial matters, affecting not only the twins but the extended Okoye family as well.
As the controversy continues to unfold, fans and industry observers remain divided, with many hoping for an eventual reconciliation between the brothers who once dominated the Nigerian music scene together. The situation highlights the complex nature of family relationships in the entertainment industry, particularly when business and personal matters become intertwined.
