Henry Okoye, the eldest brother of former P-Square members Peter and Paul Okoye, has revealed that their late mother, Josephine Okoye, was against Jude Okoye taking over the management of the music duo.
Speaking during an interview with social commentator Jos Connection at the family home in Plateau State on Friday, Henry recounted the early days of P-Square’s career, claiming he played a key role in supporting the twins before they gained fame.
According to him, he provided financial support and helped promote the group when they struggled to secure sponsorship, insisting that Jude was not involved at that stage.
“When they started music, they were looking for sponsors. They didn’t see any. When I started sponsoring them, Jude was not there. When Benson & Hedges came to Jos looking for artistes, it was me that took them to the stadium for a performance; they came first. Jude was not there. We were travelling from state to state for music, sometimes they used my car (to distribute) flyers.
“We just took it as a family thing but we knew that it’s Peter and Paul that own it. We’re only supporting them. Sometimes we travelled to Abuja; my sister, the one we call Lilian, was the one who collected gate fee. As the elder brother I was the bodyguard.
“They started making money bit by bit. Jude came in and said he wanted to manage them. We allowed Jude, my mum disagreed,” he said.
Josephine Okoye passed away on July 11, 2012, in India after undergoing heart surgery.
Henry also expressed disappointment over the breakdown in family relations, noting that Paul’s attitude had changed over the years despite being one of the most caring members of the family.
“They promised me 20 per cent when they start making money. Jude intervened and dismissed that. I challenged him that he wasn’t there when we started everything but now chasing everybody away from them,” Henry said.
While expressing hope for a reconciliation between the brothers, Henry admitted he was not optimistic that it would happen.
“I will be happy for them to come back together but I don’t think it will happen. Paul was a very kind person,” he added.
He further appealed to Jude to take steps toward resolving the ongoing family disagreements and restoring peace among the siblings.
Henry said their eldest brother, Christopher, has chosen to stay out of the dispute because he is focused on his Christian faith.
Peter and Paul first parted ways in 2017 before reuniting in 2021. However, the renewed partnership collapsed again in 2024.
The family tensions coincided with legal troubles for Jude, who was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2025 over alleged fraud involving N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59. He denied the allegations, and the matter remains before the court.
