Contract Dispute: Everything to know about Mercy Chinwo, Eezee Tee's controversy

• Gospel minister Mercy Chinwo and her former record label boss Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu have been embroiled in a contractual dispute since she left in 2022
• The dispute escalated with allegations of fraud, as Mercy Chinwo accused EeZee Tee of being involved in financial misconduct, and withheld royalties
• TheRadar highlights the timeline of their embroiled feud, highlighting how their conflict began

Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee), are embroiled in a heated debate over contractual issues and fraud allegations. The controversy has played out on social media, sparking speculations about underlying tensions between the two. 

TheRadar traces the timeline of their heated feud. How did their conflict begin?

The genesis of the feud 

In 2017, Mercy Chinwo signed a 360-recording and management deal with EeZee Conceptz, a gospel record label shortly after winning the Nigerian Idol. 

Under the label, she became a household name, releasing hits like Excess Love, Chinedum and Na You Dey Reign.

However, in 2022, her five-year contract expired, and she chose not to renew it.

Without an official announcement, Chinwo quietly exited the label, unfollowing Eezee Tee and some soe label mates, including Minister G.U.C. and Chidinma.

The only hint Chinwo gave concerning the dispute was a post on her Instagram story implying that God should protect her from people who do not have her best interests at heart. 

Fraud allegations and legal dispute 

On January 16, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested EeZee Tee, over allegations of diverting $345,000. Upon his release, he claimed that he was coerced into transferring $274,000 to Chinwo while in EFCC custody.

He emphasised that the threats and intimidation tactics used against him were meant to pressure him into a settlement. 

Following his claims, he urged the public to focus on uncovering the truth, warning against emotional bias and calling for transparency in the matter. 

Mercy Chinwo's response 

Following Eezee Tee’s claim, Chinwo's legal team released a formal statement addressing the origins of their dispute. Chinwo denied any misconduct, instead, she accused him of not paying her royalties from 2022 to 2024. 

On January 28, 2025, she posted a video on Instagram reinforcing her stance, but she did not acknowledge the alleged $274,000 transaction.

Chinwo further alleged that EeZee Tee deliberately obstructed her career growth by blocking collaborations, including a planned feature with Nathaniel Bassey (which she later pursued in Tobechukwu).

She also accused him of creating a toxic work environment, bullying her, and spreading damaging rumours about her personal life, including the paternity of her child. Additionally, she claimed he altered her original contract, changing the signing date from 2017 to 2019.

Chinwo denied any wrongdoing and accused EeZee Tee of failing to pay her royalties from 2022 to 2024. Above all, she accused him of altering her original contract by changing the signing date from 2017 to 2019. 

EeZee Tee's counterclaims  

EeZee Tee responded to Chinwo's allegations, calling them false and denying any wrongdoing. He claimed that Chinwo's assertions about the contract were “a lie from the pit of hell.”

Presenting documents to back up his claims, Eezee Tee claimed Chinwo was a good actress who used emotional narratives to manipulate public perception.

Reactions and revelations

The drama has sparked reactions from several individuals, including Nigerian critic Vincent Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) a YouTuber Beingreal George, and gospel artiste, Judikay. VeryDarkMan questioned Chinwo's sincerity, pointing out inconsistencies in her video. Beingreal George suggested that the controversy is part of a larger agenda to secularised gospel music.

The issue escalated as gospel music producer Dr. Roy claimed Eezee Tee denied him royalties, leading to ethical discussions. 

George further alleged that the label misrepresented facts and delayed Mercy Chinwo's career. 

Also, gospel artiste Jaga Testimony warned Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu of the controversy, describing it as an attempt to undermine the "system of God.” 

The gospel minister, Judikay who was once under the Eezeetee Conceptz record label came out to clear the air concerning financial problems she had with Eezee Tee. She explained that issues began to surface before customary closure meetings at the expiration of her contract. 

However, after several back-and-forths, she opted out of the controversy. 

Legal proceedings 

The case has been adjourned to February 14, 2025, for further legal deliberations. EeZee Tee's legal team have requested the withdrawal of his arrest warrant, maintaining that the issue is a contractual dispute, not a criminal matter.

8 interesting facts about gospel singer Mercy Chinwo you might not know

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier highlighted eight things you might not know about Mercy Chinwo. 

Nigerian gospel music minister, songwriter and actress, Mercy Chinwo, is a name that has become synonymous with spirit-filled worship and soul-stirring gospel music. With her powerful vocals and deep connection to her faith, she has captured the hearts of millions across Nigeria and abroad.