The unfolding drama between gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has escalated with fresh allegations and counterclaims. Onyedikachukwu, founder of the gospel record label EeZee Conceptz Global, has denied claims that he misappropriated $345,000 of Chinwo’s royalties, asserting instead that the singer has received over $625,000 during their collaboration.
Allegations Spark Legal Action
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently obtained an arrest warrant against Onyedikachukwu following a petition by Chinwo. She alleged that her former manager withheld royalties from digital platforms and event proceeds without proper disclosure or remittance.
However, Onyedikachukwu, in a detailed Instagram post on Friday, called the accusations baseless. He expressed frustration, claiming that Chinwo had consistently received her agreed share under their 50/50 revenue-sharing contract. “$625,000 – that is how much you have received from EeZee Conceptz to date,” he said. “Yet you prefer to paint yourself as a victim of a bad contract.”
A History of Collaboration
Chinwo, known for hits like Excess Love and Testimony, rose to prominence under EeZee Conceptz Global. According to Onyedikachukwu, she started her career as a backup vocalist for his label before rising to stardom.
“I invested my blood, sweat, and hard-earned money into you,” Onyedikachukwu said. “I housed you for months and later secured a two-bedroom apartment for you and your band leader.”
The former manager alleges that despite his efforts, Chinwo breached their contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds owed to the label. He also accused her of avoiding agreed reconciliation efforts, including an independent audit.
A Legal and Emotional Battle
Onyedikachukwu claimed that the fallout reached its peak last year when he was “illegally detained” by the EFCC for nine days in a location far from Lagos, where the business operated. He described the ordeal as coercive, revealing that $274,000 was extorted from him during this time.
“I followed the legal processes outlined in the contract you signed,” he said. “If your hands are clean, why avoid the Multidoor resolution process in our agreement? Why manipulate institutions to bully me?”
The Role of Faith and Betrayal
Onyedikachukwu accused Chinwo of weaponizing religious affiliations to gain sympathy. “While claiming and singing it’s all for Jesus, your actions paint a different picture,” he stated, referencing her alleged attempts to take over a catalogue he claims to have fully funded.
He cited Proverbs 17:13 to underline his belief in divine justice: “Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house.”
A Call for Transparency
In an attempt to clear his name, Onyedikachukwu challenged Chinwo to publicly disclose her bank statements and the songs she recorded before and after signing with EeZee Conceptz. “You’re now attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue I fully funded,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to supporters who have shown him love and prayed for him, affirming his trust in both God and the legal system.
Chinwo’s Silence
As of press time, Mercy Chinwo has not responded to Onyedikachukwu’s latest allegations. Her silence has left fans and observers speculating about the next chapter in this high-profile dispute.
The case underscores the complexities of managing creative partnerships in the entertainment industry, where the lines between personal and professional relationships often blur.
Background on EeZee Conceptz
Founded by Onyedikachukwu, EeZee Conceptz Global has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian gospel music landscape. The label is credited with propelling artists like Chinwo to international fame, earning accolades and inspiring audiences worldwide.
As the legal battle intensifies, the gospel community and fans await clarity on the allegations and counterclaims that have rocked the industry.
