The Nigerian social space got buzzing recently when Afro-pop singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, better known as May D, opened up on his highly publicised fallout with the music duo, Peter and Paul Okoye of the defunct P-Square fame and their label, Square Records.

In 2012, May D took to social media to air his grievances against the Okoye brothers. The drama began when he took to Twitter (now X) to express his discontent with the Okoye brothers, accusing them of not treating him fairly during his time with them at the Square Records.

He alleged that the duo failed to fulfill their promises and did not provide him with adequate support. He also claimed that he was not paid royalties for his work on the label and that he was not allowed to perform at certain shows.

But responding to the allegations, the Okoye brothers denied any wrongdoing, and instead accused May D of being ungrateful. The duo claimed that they had invested heavily on May D’s career and that he had failed to deliver on his promises.

The online tirade escalated, with both parties exchanging insults and accusations on social media. May D accused P-Square of being selfish and manipulative, while P-Square accused May D of being jealous of their success.

He claimed to have written some of Okoye brothers hit songs like Do as I Do, which was supposed to be his first single, and Chop My Money, which featured international singer Akon.

“Do as I Do was meant to be my first single. Like I said, it didn’t matter to me. No be me still drop Ile Ijo. If you need it more than I do then, I’ll give it to you because I can do another one. Then, I thought if I have a song that P-Square and Tiwa Savage will be on it. It’s better for me.

“I don’t know how people see things but I see the bigger picture in everything. I don’t have to be the king but as long as you being the king is going to favour everybody. I don’t really care; we are all going to die someday,” the singer said.

Reacting to May D’s claims, Bayo Adetu, a celebrity journalist and publicist said in his over 20 years career, he has watched and read people sell lies to members of the public, either as a publicity stunt or to get cheap public sympathy.

“Whichever way it is, I try to mind my business, even though sometimes I’m being tempted not to. But I can’t overlook the mischievous, malicious and terrible lies Mr May D dished out in his interview on Honest Bunch Podcast. They’re all lies from the pit of hell, and I pray that God forgives him and shows him mercy.”

In a write up titled, “Exposing Mr May D’s many lies (Part 1)” and shared on his social media handles including Facebook, Adetu noted that May D betrayed trust of his benefactors.

“After he betrayed the trust of his benefactors and wasted the millions of naira they invested on him, he still has the guts to paint them black in public? May D, May God forgive you.

“Being P-Square’s publicist from 2005 till they broke up, I was much involved in the group’s activities. We were actually like families. I promoted all May D’s songs under Square Records, the same way I handle P-Square’s promotions too. So, I can tell you all the truth about May D’s relationship with the Okoye brothers.”

“To start with, May D was Alaye’s driver. Alaye is the UK-based rapper who featured in Temptation (remix). It was when May D had accommodation problems that Alaye introduced him to P-Square, and asked if they could assist him.

“They did. He was given money for his rent but came back saying the landlord refused to retain him owing to the type of visitors he attracts. P-square then asked him to feel free to stay in their house till he gets another place. This was in P-Square’s rented house in Omole before building Square Ville.

“To cut the long story short, one day Mr P called me and said there would be a slight change in our initial plans. He said May D will be joining Melvin in our project, but we will push May D first, make him a star then focus on Melvin. I nodded in agreement because May D was a likeable guy.

“Personally, I liked him. And he knows. Boom, I invited some selected Entertainment Journalists to Square Ville (all of them are still alive to testify). They interviewed both May D and Melvin as new Square Records signees.

“Subsequently, I did an official press statement confirming that May D was now a Square Records artist. I also took him on a tour of some radio stations and media houses. This was in early 2011.

“On May 13, 2011, we released May D’s first two singles, Soundtrack and Cool Temper from the stable of Square Records. This was closely followed by the release of his monster hit, Ile Ijo. P-Square’s Chop My Money, which featured May D, was released later in the year on October 19, 2011.

“So, how come May D is claiming that P-Square never wanted to sign him? When several millions of naira had already been spent on his project, without making a dime in return? He also hits the crossbar by making reference to Bracket and J Martins.”