The singer, through a statement signed by her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, on January 25, 2025, leveled a series of damning allegations against EeZee Tee, ranging from contract fraud to financial malpractice.
According to Chinwo, EeZee Tee orchestrated a ploy to keep her in “perpetual servitude” by drafting a contract that handed him lifetime ownership of her music catalog.
In a revelation that sent shockwaves through the gospel music community, Chinwo accused EeZee Tee of tampering with financial records and withholding $274,000 in digital streaming revenue without her knowledge. She expressed disbelief at the audacity of his actions, which she described as a betrayal of trust.
Contracts in Question
The feud reportedly reached boiling point when Chinwo discovered glaring inconsistencies in her contractual agreements. While the original 2017 contract was concise, spanning only five pages, EeZee Tee allegedly introduced a sprawling 25-page document in 2019. The updated contract, Chinwo claimed, had been backdated to appear as though it were the original 2017 agreement, with provisions granting him lifelong control over her creative works.
Chinwo’s discovery sparked a battle to reclaim her artistic freedom, with her legal team describing the situation as an “egregious attempt to stifle her growth and exploit her talent.”
EeZee Tee’s Defense
In his defense, EeZee Tee dismissed the allegations, branding Chinwo’s claims as false and a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation. He countered that the singer had breached their agreement by performing at events without his approval and withholding the agreed share of her earnings. EeZee Tee maintained that his actions were within the bounds of their original agreement, insisting he had done nothing wrong.
EFCC and Legal Proceedings
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) entered the fray after an arrest warrant was issued against EeZee Tee. However, the warrant was withdrawn when his legal team assured authorities of his willingness to cooperate. The case, now slated for February 14, 2025, has become a high-profile legal battle, drawing attention across the entertainment industry.
Dr. Roy Adds Fuel to the Fire
Adding to the drama, music producer Dr. Roy, who worked closely with Chinwo and EeZee Tee in the past, shared his own experience of alleged exploitation under EeZee Tee’s management. He accused EeZee Tee of withholding financial rewards from his work on hit projects, including the gospel anthem Excess Love. While clarifying that Chinwo was unaware of his ordeal, Dr. Roy remarked that he wasn’t surprised she encountered similar treatment.
A Tipping Point in Gospel Music
The unfolding saga has brought to light systemic issues of exploitation in the gospel music industry, sparking debates on ethical practices and artist rights. As legal proceedings continue, Mercy Chinwo’s bold stand against her former manager marks a critical moment not just for her career but for gospel artists fighting for autonomy and fairness in an industry fraught with challenges.
The world watches closely as this dramatic case unfolds, with many rooting for justice and a resolution that upholds integrity in the music business.
