Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has publicly addressed her ongoing dispute with her former manager and record label boss, Ezekiel ThankGod, popularly known as Eezee Concept. In an emotionally charged video shared on her Instagram page on January 28, 2025, Chinwo detailed the challenges she faced during and after her association with Eezee Concept, alleging manipulation, threats, and defamation.
Background of the Dispute
Mercy Chinwo began her professional relationship with Eezee Concept in 2017, signing a management contract that year. According to Chinwo, in 2019, Eezee proposed extending her initial five-year contract to twelve years, a proposition she declined. This refusal, she claims, led to a deterioration in their working relationship. Chinwo alleges that following her decision not to extend the contract, Eezee attempted to forge a new contract without her consent and began creating a hostile environment, which eventually compelled her to relocate from Lagos to Port Harcourt for her safety.
Allegations of Defamation and Manipulation
In her video statement, Chinwo accused Eezee of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. She claimed that he paid bloggers to spread false information, including rumors questioning the paternity of her son. Chinwo stated, “You paid bloggers to spread a fake news about my son because I did a song with Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, who you dislike.”
She further alleged that Eezee attempted to control her professional associations, expressing disapproval of her collaborations with other gospel artists and pastors, such as Nathaniel Bassey and Pastor Jerry Eze. Chinwo recounted instances where Eezee’s disapproval led to threats and harassment, stating that he would often remind her of his perceived role in her success and his ability to undermine her career.
Legal Proceedings and Public Perception
Contrary to public belief that Chinwo initiated legal action against Eezee, she clarified that it was Eezee who first took legal steps against her and fellow artist Judikay. She presented court documents in her video to substantiate her claim, emphasizing that she had been unjustly portrayed as the aggressor in the dispute. Chinwo expressed her distress over the situation, stating, “I am overwhelmed with sadness every single day, and I cannot even explain it all. This burden is too heavy for me to bear.”
Response from Eezee Concept
As of the time of Chinwo’s video release, Eezee Concept has not issued a public response to her specific allegations. However, in earlier statements, Eezee had accused Chinwo of breaching their contract, alleging that she failed to fulfill her contractual obligations, including the production of a specified number of albums. He also expressed disappointment over her decision to work with other artists and organizations without his consent, which he claimed was a violation of their agreement.
Public Reaction and Support
The public’s response to the dispute has been mixed, with fans and industry observers expressing both support and criticism toward the involved parties. Many of Chinwo’s supporters have commended her for speaking out and shedding light on the challenges artists may face within management relationships. They have offered messages of encouragement, urging her to remain steadfast in her faith and continue her ministry.
Conversely, some individuals have called for a more measured approach, suggesting that both parties seek amicable resolution through dialogue and mediation rather than public confrontation. There is a prevailing sentiment among certain observers that such disputes within the gospel music industry should be handled with discretion to preserve the integrity and unity of the Christian community.
Chinwo’s Closing Remarks
In her concluding statements, Chinwo reaffirmed her faith and reliance on divine justice. She declared, “You have bloggers, I have God. The worst you can do is what you’re doing. What I went through working with you is nothing compared to what you’re doing now. You have bloggers, I have God, knowing that God will not let your thoughts come to pass, for His thoughts for me are of good and not of bad.”
As the situation unfolds, many are hopeful for a resolution that upholds the values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and mutual respect, which are foundational to the gospel music community.
For a more in-depth understanding of the dispute, you can watch Mercy Chinwo’s emotional address below: