Mervis Elebe, a woman who claims to have been a firsthand witness to the inner workings of the Okoye family, has publicly defended Peter Okoye, asserting that his wife, Lola Omotayo, was never truly accepted by his family. In a detailed account shared on social media, Elebe alleged that the rejection was rooted in tribalism and age difference, specifically that Lola is Yoruba and older than Peter.
Elebe's 2008 Eyewitness Account
Elebe stated that she was just 17 years old in 2008 when she traveled to the Omole area of Lagos to sit for her JAMB examination. Being a fan of the Psquare duo, she decided to visit their residence to get an autograph on one of their CDs. The brothers were abroad for a show at the time, so it was Jude Okoye who received her and connected her with one of their cousins.
When Peter eventually returned to Nigeria, Elebe said she got to meet him personally and described him as warm and welcoming. It was during that period, she claimed, that Lola and Peter were not together. She alleged that Lola sent word that she was pregnant, and Peter subsequently ended a relationship he had with a beauty queen to reunite with Lola.
Jude's Dislike and Family Rejection
Elebe was particularly pointed in her comments about Jude Okoye, stating that his dislike for Lola was never concealed. She said Jude "cannot deny" how Lola was treated because she witnessed it herself. She further alleged that the broader family's rejection of Lola stemmed from two factors: the fact that she is Yoruba, and that she is older than Peter.
This account comes amid a public feud between Peter and his twin brother Paul, as well as their elder brother Jude. Peter had recently gone public with a series of videos detailing a bitter falling-out, alleging that even their late mother was opposed to his marriage to Lola.
Online Reactions and Public Opinion
The account drew strong reactions online. One user, @edwuado1, wrote: "Why you no talk since ??? Na so una wait till them kee mohbad." Another, @armarkar_, commented: "If you are an Igbo person, an Anambra person you will instinctively understand why Jude might have aversions towards Lola but you need to give people chances. We also need to learn as adults to learn people live their lives. That is where Jude as an elder failed it. You cannot be telling your fellow man how to live his life."
@barbie_pink_21 said: "All This is Happening Because Their Parent are no longer Alive....by now their parents would have Intervened." @chef.nonny noted: "Nigerians forget easily, these whole tin started with there mum."
@sweetdelightsbylaurel wrote: "You should have avoided the part that talked about their privacy. It is well oo. Pls parents train ur kids on the importance of family bond and love for siblings." @carol_oluwa added: "As a non-Yoruba, I know some tribes don't really like their people marrying a Yoruba person."
Paul Okoye Supports Jude Amid EFCC Arrest
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Paul Okoye had thrown his weight behind his elder brother, Jude Okoye, after he was arrested by the EFCC. Jude Okoye had been accused of alleged fraud and remanded at the correctional centre till the case was heard in court. Paul told his brother that it was a phase, and it would soon pass away. He encouraged him to stay strong and be patient about the case. His fans were not happy with his post, as some of them taunted him about it in the comment section.
The ongoing saga continues to captivate the public, with many weighing in on the family dynamics and the treatment of Lola Omotayo. As the story develops, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the deep-seated issues within the Okoye family.
