Gospel minister Judikay addresses controversy with former record label EeZee Conceptz

• Gospel singer Judikay broke silence on controversy with former record label Eezeetee Conceptz and its boss Ezekiel Odinakachi
• She alleged financial discrepancies and obstruction of an audit process, claiming she was never granted access to her backend nor allowed to receive payments directly
• Netizens react to Judikay's statement, with some expressing support and others criticising her handling of the situation

Gospel singer Judith Kanyo-Okpara, widely known as Judikay, has finally responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding her former record label, EeZeetee Conceptz, and its boss, Ezekiel Odinakachi. 

The saga has been rife with rumours and allegations that threaten to tarnish the standards of the gospel ministry. 

In an effort to protect her reputation, the Capable God hitmaker released a statement on her official X (formerly Twitter) page, @officialJudikay, to clarify the situation and withdraw from the public controversy.

Judikay emphasised her commitment to her ministry and career in her statement, stating, "I am compelled to address recent misinformation circulating the media about my professional relationship with my former record label, EeZee Conceptz. 

“This statement seeks to clarify the facts while reaffirming my unwavering commitment to my ministry and career, which I have dedicated to glorifying God through music."

Judikay detailed her experience with the label, revealing, "My contract with EeZee Conceptz began in February 2019. However, from 2019 to 2023, I was never granted access to my backend nor allowed to receive payments directly from their source. All receipts sent to me were created by the label, and I accepted them in good faith, trusting my former boss without question."

She explained that issues began to surface before customary closure meetings at the expiration of her contract. "Before the customary closure meetings at the expiration of my contract, I began discovering significant financial discrepancies. These findings were later confirmed during the closure meetings. 

“At this point, I requested an audit of my financial dealings for the first time in years. Strangely, this request led to my former boss blocking all communication with me, halting the closure process entirely," she explained.

Judikay highlighted the difficulties she faced after her contract officially ended in February 2024. "Since my contract officially ended in February 2024, I sought proper closure through my lawyers. Despite repeated requests, the label's lawyers claimed that I had no right to an audit, which was contrary to the terms of our agreement."

Following her struggle for resolution, Judikay recalled enlisting the help of a government agency in early 2024. However, at the counsel of respected Apostle Anselm Madubuko, she put the case on hold, with hopes of achieving justice through dialogue. 

"Apostle Madubuko assured us that justice would prevail for all parties. During this conciliatory meeting, Mr. Thank God Ezekiel agreed to cooperate with an independent audit. Unfortunately, subsequent actions by EeZee Conceptz contradicted this agreement," she stated. 

The singer expressed her dismay at the label's lack of cooperation, adding that "The label failed to provide complete or accurate records, obstructed the audit process, and disseminated misleading public narratives." 

She cited a specific instance where a video shared by the label claimed to show a meeting between herself and Mr. ThankGod in 2024. She explained that the video was "taken during a closure meeting in 2023, not in 2024 as falsely claimed,” and clarified that she has not met with Mr. ThankGod at any point since her agreement ended in February 2024.

Judikay also addressed the audit process that was stalled by the label. She said, "Our auditors sent a formal email on June 6, 2024, requesting documents that the label had withheld during the audit. On June 7, 2024, the label's lawyers acknowledged receipt of the email; however, we received no further response."

Expressing the personal toll this situation has taken, she added, "I have pursued this matter quietly, but this silence has come at great personal cost. It has been painful to see my parents ridiculed publicly and, most heartbreakingly, to see the name of Jesus dragged into this dispute."

After thoughtful consideration, Judikay has opted to step away from the controversy, stating, "While my pursuit of justice is important, it pales in comparison to my role as a member of the body of Christ and my commitment to protecting the sanctity of His name."

Conclusively, she expressed her gratitude and reiterated her commitment to the ministry of God. 

“To my family, the gospel music community, and all who have stood by me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

“My focus remains unwavering, and my commitment to glorifying Jesus through this ministry the Lord has graciously committed into my hands remains steadfast, " she said. 

Netizens weigh in on Judikay's address

Following her statement, netizens have been weighing in on the unfolding drama, with many expressing support for Judikay in this challenging time.

Here are some reactions below;

@RainOverTalks commented:” Put aside the controversy surrounding the disputes between Judikay, Eezee & Mercy Chinwo. Nigerians need to separate business & gospel music. As a gospel artist, there is no shame in embracing the business side of what you do. Embracing it would help you manage it squarely.”

@Ada_Odogwu commented: “I honestly don’t like what you Christians do. Jesus would not do any of these. Jesus won’t let someone cheat him out of a deal, Jesus won’t be intimidated nor cajoled, he would have thrown hands if need be, this unnecessary gentleman Christian is messing Christianity up.”

@DatNaijaGuy1 commented: “So many Nigerians lack integrity and when they succeed in swindling people they see it as being smart. There is no supposed to be any problem here.

It's a deal with a sharing formula. Take yours and leave mine, but the greedy ones will need that of others.”

@babygyalxxxx commented: “I’m glad you’ve chosen to walk away. Your mission is greater than this show of shame. May God be with you.”

@gbeni_wealth commented: “You have my absolute respect. May God strengthen you greatly.”

@khanAlwayz commented: “Why is the backend almost always a mess with the music business?” 

@Victor1896 commented: “You know you will lose woefully 🤣🤣. You wanted to oppress now them don oppress you” 

@Iyesdan commented: “Sometimes, setting precedence is a more important role for any kingdom than avoiding upsetting people.

If wrong is done & not corrected, you’ve hurt the kingdom more by setting the precedence that people will getaway with anything in the name of protecting the body! ur choice”

Eezee Tee addresses Mercy Chinwo's contract dispute, alleges coercion, EFCC misconduct

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Ezekiel Odinakachi, popularly known as Eezee Tee, spoke about allegations of taking Mercy Chinwo's money, claiming she breached their contract.

He alleged he was detained and coerced into making false admissions by the EFCC which in turn has withdrawn its arrest warrant against Eezee Tee, and the court has scheduled a possible arraignment for February 14.