Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P and one-half of the defunct P-Square duo, has reacted sharply to criticism following his decision to change his birthday celebration date from November 18 to November 30.

The singer had earlier announced that he would no longer observe his birthday on November 18, stating that all celebrations, messages, and gifts should henceforth be directed to November 30 as his new official celebration date.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday via his X handle, Peter expressed surprise at the backlash, insisting that the decision is purely personal and should not attract public outrage.

He questioned why people were reacting strongly to what he described as a private choice, saying the reaction was exaggerated.

“Una dey vex like say I cancel Christmas? Na my birthday date I move… no be your own, why e dey pain you?” he wrote.

He also referenced ongoing debates around the historical date of Jesus Christ’s birth to mock critics comparing the situation to a national issue.

“Even Jesus Christ December 25th date sef, people still dey debate am. Why cry more than the bereaved? Only in Nigeria,” he added.

The singer further argued that the attention given to his birthday adjustment was unnecessary, especially when compared to more serious national challenges.

“Funny how my birthday date shift is causing more pain than Nigeria’s real problems,” he wrote.

Peter, who rose to fame alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye as part of P-Square, has remained in the spotlight due to both his music career and public family disputes.

The duo, once one of Africa’s biggest music acts, split in 2017 after internal disagreements involving management, royalties, and creative control, before briefly reuniting in 2021.