Harrysong Breaks Silence on Custody Dispute with Ex-Wife
Nigerian music star Harrison Tare Okiri, widely known as Harrysong, has publicly addressed serious allegations made by his former spouse, Alexer Peres, concerning the custody arrangement of their two young daughters. The singer, who separated from Peres in 2025 after a highly publicized social media fallout, took to his Instagram Story to clarify his position while emphasizing his commitment to maintaining dignity in the ongoing family matter.
The Allegations and Harrysong's Response
Earlier this week, Peres shared an emotional video where she expressed deep distress, claiming that Harrysong had taken full custody of their four-year-old and three-year-old daughters. She alleged that the Reggae Blues artist had been undermining her parenting efforts and would frequently arrive at her residence unannounced to assert control over the children. In her heartfelt message, she portrayed a scenario where her maternal rights were being systematically eroded.
In his carefully crafted response, Harrysong stated that he would not engage in a public war of words with the mother of his children. "I have learned that everything shared on social media lives forever," he remarked, referencing past emotional outbursts during their separation that he now regrets. The singer explained that his decision to assume custody was based on reasons too sensitive to disclose publicly, emphasizing lessons learned from previous online confrontations.
Focus on Children's Welfare and Parental Responsibility
Harrysong emphasized that his primary concern remains the wellbeing and stability of his young daughters. He asserted that he has consistently been an involved and supportive father, providing for the children financially and emotionally even during periods when they resided with their mother. The artist expressed disappointment that the public narrative shared by his ex-wife could potentially harm the children's social environment and support systems.
"My focus is entirely on protecting my daughters and ensuring their healthy development," Harrysong declared in his social media posts. He further explained that his restraint in responding to allegations was a deliberate choice to safeguard the reputation of the children's mother, despite finding her public statements personally hurtful and potentially damaging.
Public Reaction and Divided Opinions
The custody dispute has sparked intense debate among Nigerian social media users, with fans and observers taking polarized positions on the matter. Many questioned the legal basis of the custody arrangement, while others expressed sympathy for both parents.
Instagram user @baroness_tonia commented: "Who made the custody decision? Was it mutual, or did the court intervene? Depriving a mother of meaningful relationship with her children seems extreme." Another user, @ella_elle111, directly addressed Harrysong: "Taking a three-year-old from her mother? That's cruel."
However, some supporters questioned Peres' motivations, with @queensusz stating: "If Harrysong couldn't provide for those kids, how would they survive? This shouldn't be about chasing clout." The divided reactions highlight the complex emotional landscape surrounding celebrity custody battles in Nigeria's entertainment sphere.
Broader Context and Previous Statements
This custody controversy follows Harrysong's previous comments about relationships and gender dynamics. In earlier interviews, the singer expressed particular views about independent women and marriage traditions, advising women to marry from their parents' homes rather than living independently beforehand. These statements had already positioned him as a somewhat controversial figure in discussions about modern relationships in Nigeria.
The current dispute represents another chapter in the singer's complicated personal life, which has increasingly become public fodder since his separation. As both parents navigate this challenging situation, the welfare of their young children remains at the center of an increasingly public and emotionally charged discussion about parental rights, celebrity privacy, and family dynamics in the digital age.
