Nigerian singer Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, has responded to his ex-wife, Alexer Peres, following her public announcement that she is temporarily stepping aside from the custody of their two children due to emotional strain and mental health concerns
Alexer had, in a video shared on her Instagram story on Thursday, described the decision as one of the most difficult she has had to make, explaining that the emotional pressures she has endured since her separation from the singer had become overwhelming.
According to her, the toll of the situation left her mentally and emotionally exhausted, prompting the need to prioritise her well-being.
She disclosed that for the past two years, she had served as the children’s primary caregiver, overseeing their schooling, daily routines and general upbringing from her home. While the children occasionally spent time with their father, Alexer said she bore the larger responsibility of raising them during that period.
Emphasising that her move was not an act of abandonment, Alexer said the decision to step back from custody was temporary and necessary for her recovery. She expressed hope that she would regain emotional stability and reclaim custody in the future, while also voicing concern that the children might be largely cared for by domestic staff in her absence.
In response, Harrysong addressed the issue in a post shared on his Instagram story on Friday, firmly rejecting suggestions that he had restricted access to the children. The singer explained that his decision to remain mostly silent on the matter until now was intentional, aimed at shielding both the children and their mother from the lasting consequences of public disputes.
He acknowledged that he had previously reacted emotionally to personal issues on social media but said he had learned from that experience. According to him, despite the separation, he has remained an active and present father, consistently providing for the children even while they lived with their mother.
“I’ve chosen restraint to protect the mother of my children and, most importantly, our kids because what’s said online lives forever,” Harrysong said.
“I previously made the mistake of speaking from emotion and learned the hard way. I never said she couldn’t have access to them. Their being in my custody is a decision made for reasons you can’t put out on the internet.”
He added that the current online narrative surrounding the situation was deeply hurtful and could negatively affect the image and career that ultimately sustains their children.
“I’ve remained an active, present father and have continued to provide for our children, even while they were in her care. I won’t engage in public back-and-forth that could one day harm them. My focus remains their well-being,” the singer stated.
The situation has sparked widespread conversation online, highlighting the emotional complexities of co-parenting under public scrutiny and the delicate balance between personal struggles and the welfare of children involved.