EeZeeTee bows to pressure, agrees to mediation in contract dispute with Mercy Chinwo
By Blessing Emmanuel
In a surprising turn of events, Ezekiel ThankGod, popularly known as EeZee Tee and CEO of Ezee Tee Global, has agreed to mediation in his ongoing contract dispute with gospel singer Mercy Chinwo Blessed.
This development follows a visit to Dr. Stephen Akintayo, a business mogul and mediator, who facilitated discussions to resolve the bitter feud between the former label boss and the award-winning singer.
Dr. Akintayo, in a statement posted on social media, revealed that he had a phone conversation with EeZee Tee and invited him for a physical meeting, which the music executive honoured.
He noted that EeZee Tee expressed his willingness to settle the matter, provided that a neutral party was involved in the mediation process.
Akintayo further outlined key areas that needed to be addressed for reconciliation to take place, including a 30-day social media silence on the matter and a review of the controversial 2017 contract, which Chinwo has repeatedly referenced in her complaints.
Appealing directly to Mercy Chinwo, Dr. Akintayo encouraged her to attend a meeting where her concerns could be addressed, advising that she bring along someone she trusts, preferably her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa.
He assured that, if both parties agreed to settle, a team of lawyers, copyright experts, and auditors would be assembled to review the contract and ensure a fair resolution.
Stressing the importance of peace over conflict, Akintayo referenced biblical teachings on forgiveness, urging both parties to resolve their differences amicably.
Recall that in the ongoing feud between the two parties, Mercy Chinwo had publicly accused EeZee Tee of modifying their original contract without her consent.
She alleges that after the contract expired on September 5, 2022, she was directed to retrieve her copy from Pastor Temple Odoko, only to discover discrepancies suggesting unauthorized alterations.
Chinwo also claims that EeZee Tee continued to intimidate, isolate, and bully her, misleading event organizers about her availability.
In response, EeZee Tee has refuted these allegations, asserting that he invested over $625,000 in Chinwo’s career and maintained a 50/50 revenue-sharing agreement, which he deems fair.
He alleges that Chinwo breached their contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds from events and content.
EeZee Tee expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s disheartening to see lies being spread and efforts to weaponise law enforcement and religious affiliations against me.”
The legal battle took a significant turn when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) withdrew an arrest warrant against EeZee Tee, acknowledging the matter as a contractual dispute rather than a criminal case. The court has scheduled a potential arraignment and hearing for February 14.
Prior to this time, Prominent cleric Apostle Anslem Madubuko of Revival Assembly Church, Lagos, has accused EeZee Tee of sabotaging reconciliation efforts and defrauding former signees, including Chinwo and fellow gospel artist Judikay. Madubuko detailed his attempts to mediate between the parties, expressing disappointment over the breakdown of these efforts.
The gospel music community and fans have expressed shock and disappointment over the dispute. Many are calling for transparency and integrity within the industry, emphasising the need for clear contractual agreements and ethical management practices.
