The dispute between Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, led by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu popularly known as EeZee Tee, has attracted attention within the music industry.
The conflict centers on allegations of contract breaches, financial mismanagement, and legal confrontations.
In 2017, Mercy Chinwo signed a five-year contract with EeZee Conceptz, a label recognized for promoting gospel artists. Under this agreement, the label was responsible for producing, promoting, and distributing her music.
The contract stipulated a 50/50 gross revenue-sharing model, with plans for Chinwo to release multiple albums during the tenure.
As the contract approached its conclusion in 2022, tensions arose between Chinwo and EeZee Conceptz. Chinwo accused the label of attempting to extend her contract from five to twelve years, which she declined.
She further alleged that EeZee Conceptz diverted $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events without her consent.
These claims led to legal actions, with reports indicating that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained an arrest warrant for Onyedikachukwu over the alleged diversion of funds.
In response, EeZee Conceptz, through their lawyer Maxwell Opara, refuted Chinwo’s allegations, labeling them as untrue and baseless. The label asserted that Mercy Chinwo breached their contract by failing to deliver a third studio album and diverting funds meant for the label.
They claimed that Mercy Chinwo had received over $625,000 in earnings since signing the agreement and accused her of withholding funds from events and royalties due to the label.
The dispute escalated legally when Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued an arrest warrant against Onyedikachukwu, following an ex-parte motion by the EFCC concerning the alleged diversion of $345,000 in royalties. The court adjourned the matter for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
EeZee Conceptz expressed concerns over what they described as a misuse of institutional processes to escalate the dispute.
They highlighted a previous incident where Onyedikachukwu was allegedly detained by the EFCC for nine days, during which $274,000 was extorted under duress. Inspite of all these challenges, the label stated its commitment to operating within the confines of the law.
As of January 2025, the legal battle between Mercy Chinwo and EeZee Conceptz remains unresolved. The outcome of this dispute could set a important precedent for artist-label relationships in Nigeria’s music industry, emphasizing the importance of clear contracts and transparent financial dealings.
Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that upholds the integrity of all parties involved.
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