Nigerian gospel sensation Mercy Chinwo has accused her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, of threatening her life.
The allegations were made public on Tuesday afternoon in a video shared on her Instagram page, sparking widespread reactions across social media.
This revelation follows a recent legal battle between the singer and EeZee Tee, who owns the record label EeZee Conceptz. Chinwo filed a lawsuit against her former manager, alleging the misappropriation of $345,000 in royalties. The Lagos State Federal High Court responded by issuing a warrant to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure EeZee Tee appears in court.
In response to the allegations, EeZee Tee took to Instagram, denying the claims and accusing Chinwo of spreading lies. He criticized her for what he described as inconsistent behavior, pointing out that her accusations contradicted the Christian values she promotes through her music.
Chinwo speaks out on Instagram
Breaking her silence, Chinwo shared her side of the story in a heartfelt video that has since gone viral. In it, she described her former manager as an oppressor and accused him of manipulating their professional relationship. According to her, EeZee Tee replaced their original contracts signed in 2017 and 2019 without her knowledge or consent.
“Hello, everyone,” she began. “It’s your girl, Mercy Chinwo. I never thought I would sit here and share my story, but for the sake of the body of Christ, I feel the need to clarify the lies and misleading news about my brand.”
She recounted how EeZee Tee allegedly told her, “I made you who you are, and I will destroy you,” leaving her fearful for her safety. She explained that the toxic environment created by her former manager forced her to leave Lagos and relocate to Port Harcourt.
Allegations of bullying and manipulation
Chinwo detailed her experiences, accusing EeZee Tee of bullying, intimidation, and threats. She revealed that the situation escalated to the point where she felt unsafe continuing her work in Lagos.
“I have endured so much,” Chinwo said, her voice trembling with emotion. “The bullying, the threats—it was overwhelming. Whatever he’s posting on the internet now is nothing compared to what I went through in private. He took me to court but went online to tell the public that I sued him.”
Chinwo’s emotional video resonated with many fans and followers, who flooded the comment section with messages of support. Some expressed disbelief at the allegations, while others commended her courage in speaking out.
EeZee Tee responds
Meanwhile, EeZee Tee has maintained his innocence, claiming that Chinwo’s accusations are baseless. In his Instagram post, he called her actions a smear campaign and questioned her integrity. However, his response has done little to quell the growing controversy.
This high-profile feud has raised questions about the dynamics of artist-manager relationships in Nigeria’s music industry. Many are calling for a closer look at contractual agreements and how they affect artists’ careers and well-being.
Industry reactions
The fallout between Chinwo and EeZee Tee has sparked conversations among gospel music enthusiasts and industry insiders. Some argue that such disputes tarnish the reputation of gospel music, while others see it as an opportunity to address systemic issues within the industry.
Fans and fellow artists have rallied around Chinwo, urging her to stay strong. “Your voice has inspired millions, and no one can take that away,” one fan commented.
What’s next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are on the Lagos State Federal High Court to determine the outcome of this bitter dispute. For now, Mercy Chinwo’s decision to speak out has drawn attention to the challenges artists face behind the scenes, even as they project a polished image to the world.
This developing story underscores the importance of transparency, fairness, and respect in professional relationships—values that should align with the principles both parties represent. While the road ahead remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the gospel music community is watching closely.