Mercy Chinwo accuse Ex-Manager, Eezeetee for contract fraud

Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo on Saturday broke her silence on the case involving her and her former manager Ezekiel ThankGod known as Eezeetee.

In a lengthy statement signed by her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Chinwo accused her former record label boss of contract fraud. According to her, Eezeetee made her sign a contract in 2017 only to replace the contract with a totally different one in 2019. The Gospel singer said Eezeetee refused to give her a copy of the contract in 2017 till the contract duration expires in 2022.

According to Chinwo’s statement, after her contract had expired on September 5, 2022, she was directed to get her copy of the contract from his Pastor, Temple Odoko and she got her copy on November 22, 2022. Shockingly, It turned out that the contract that was signed in 2017 had been replaced with another contract made in 2019. A new contract made in 2019 was altered to seem as if it was the document signed in 2017.

“Clearly, on the face of the contract, at the front page, the “2019” was altered to “2017” by turning the “9” to “7” with a pen. However, the commencement page was carelessly reading “2019.” the contract till date has no original, just the photocopy,” the statement reads.

Mercy Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, during an investigation meeting, questioned the integrity of the contract presented by Eezeetee. Mena Ajakpovi, a partner at the law firm that drafted the 2019 contract, confirmed that it was never signed in their presence and that they were unaware of any alterations made to the document. The 2019 contract differed significantly from the original 2017 contract, granting Eezeetee lifetime ownership of all of Chinwo’s music and aiming to keep her in perpetual servitude.

Chinwo also accused Eezeetee of financial misconduct, including doctoring reports from digital platforms and withholding her revenue shares. Eezeetee falsely claimed authorship of Chinwo’s songs to collect publishing revenue and failed to remit her share of digital streaming earnings. During an EFCC investigation, it was revealed that Eezeetee had unlawfully retained $274,000 of Chinwo’s revenue, though he claimed it was to prevent mismanagement and ensure reconciliation.

Following the investigation, Eezeetee admitted to the existence of two contracts and pleaded for an amicable settlement. Both parties were emotional, and reconciliation was encouraged. However, after initial attempts at a settlement agreement, Eezeetee engaged a new lawyer and filed a court case against Chinwo and Judikay, contrary to his earlier apology and promises of a peaceful resolution.

Chinwo maintains that the issues are not beyond resolution and calls on Eezeetee to explain the discrepancies between the two contracts and the reasons for his actions. She questions the whereabouts of the original 2017 contract and the motives behind the introduction of the 2019 contract, emphasising the need for transparency and truthfulness.

Chinwo’s professional relationship with Eezeetee began when she was working as his backup singer in Port Harcourt. In 2017, they signed a five-year management contract. Chinwo even recommended other artists, such as Judikay, to join Eezeetee’s label.

However, the relationship soured after Chinwo relocated to Lagos in 2018. Eezeetee’s behaviour changed, and he frequently mentioned the contract, which made Chinwo realise she needed a copy of it. She requested a copy in 2020, but only received it in November 2022, after the contract had already expired.

By the fourth year of their working relationship, Chinwo was experiencing verbal and emotional abuse. According to the report, Eezeetee threatened to harm her career and used intimidation tactics to control her. He also misled people about her availability for events.