Internationally acclaimed Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has made serious allegations against her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly known as Eezee Tee. In a statement shared via her official Instagram account on Tuesday, Chinwo accused Onyedikachukwu of exploitation, defamation, and financial impropriety, detailing how the toxic professional relationship significantly impacted her career and personal life.
Chinwo disclosed that her former manager withheld her royalties for two years while attempting to enforce a long-term contract she found unfavorable. “We signed a backup contract in 2017, but as time progressed, he pressured me to sign a 12-year contract, which I declined. From that point on, his behavior became increasingly hostile and unprofessional,” she stated.
The singer alleged that Onyedikachukwu’s response to her refusal included creating a toxic work environment and engaging in campaigns to undermine her reputation.
Chinwo also accused Onyedikachukwu of orchestrating defamatory actions, including spreading false claims about her son’s paternity. She attributed this malicious behavior to his personal animosity towards her collaboration with fellow gospel artist Pastor Nathaniel Bassey.
“One of my so-called offenses was collaborating with Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, whom he despises. In retaliation, he fabricated false stories about my son, causing unnecessary pain to my family,” Chinwo alleged.
She further revealed that Onyedikachukwu issued threats against her, saying, “He told me, ‘I made you who you are, and I will destroy you.’ These threats left me fearing for my safety, forcing me to relocate from Lagos to Port Harcourt.”
Addressing public speculation that she had filed a lawsuit against Onyedikachukwu, Chinwo clarified that the reverse was true. “He was the one who initiated legal action against me and Minister Judikay but then falsely claimed I had taken him to court in an attempt to tarnish my image,” she explained, presenting court documents to corroborate her statement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Onyedikachukwu regarding allegations of financial misappropriation. He is accused of diverting $345,000 in royalties generated from Chinwo’s music on digital platforms and live events without her consent.
On January 16, 2025, Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, issued a bench warrant for Onyedikachukwu’s arrest after several failed attempts to apprehend him. EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari informed the court that Onyedikachukwu had been collecting royalties meant for Chinwo while withholding her rightful share.
During a subsequent hearing, the EFCC requested the withdrawal of the arrest warrant, noting that Onyedikachukwu’s legal counsel, Monday Ubani (SAN), had already been served with the charges. The court approved the withdrawal, allowing the case to proceed through standard legal processes.
Chinwo described the profound emotional toll of these events, stating, “This experience has left me overwhelmed with sadness. It is a burden too heavy to carry, and navigating such personal and professional betrayal has been incredibly challenging.”
This case underscores critical issues in the global music industry, particularly regarding artist-manager relations, financial transparency, and ethical contract enforcement. Chinwo’s experience sheds light on the challenges many artists face in protecting their intellectual property and safeguarding their professional and personal interests.
As legal proceedings and investigations continue, this case is poised to serve as a critical reference point for discussions on artist rights and the need for industry reforms to establish accountability and fairness in professional relationships.
Chinwo remains one of Nigeria’s most influential gospel artists, and her courage in speaking out highlights the importance of advocating for transparency and justice within the music industry. The international community will be closely monitoring developments as this case unfolds.
