Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Efe Omorogbe Responds to Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s Statement on Mercy Chinwo and EeZee Conceptz Dispute

 

Renowned entertainment expert and founder of Now Muzik Group, Efe Omorogbe has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between gospel artist Mercy Chinwo and her former label, EeZee Conceptz, responding to recent statements by Apostle Anselm Madubuko about his role as mediator in the case. He weighs in as a music industry expert and as an individual present at their last mediation meeting.

Omorogbe, in a video he shared to his instagram page, revealed he was present at a mediation meeting held on May 13, 2024, between Mercy Chinwo, EeZee Conceptz,

Hilda Dokubo,  Apostle Anslem Madubuko, Mena Ajakpovi, representatives of Mercy Chinwo and Judi Kay (their husbands). He went on to state that  the central issue discussed during the meeting was a transfer of master rights for music catalogues. According to Omorogbe, master rights traditionally reside with record labels and can only be transferred through a negotiated buyout, not through coercion or force..

"Master rights are typically owned by the label under standard industry agreements," Omorogbe stated. "If an artist wants to acquire these rights, they must follow proper procedures. This includes conducting a valuation of the catalogue, making an offer to the label, and negotiating a fair agreement. Forcing a label to relinquish master rights is not in line with global industry practices." Omorogbe addressed Apostle Madubuko’s recent claims that EeZee Conceptz obstructed previous attempts at reconciliation. While acknowledging the challenges involved, he emphasized the importance of respecting contractual agreements and resolving disputes through transparency and professionalism.

He also noted that similar cases have been resolved through negotiation, referencing Burna Boy’s efforts to repurchase his master rights from Aristokrat Records for earlier recordings in his career. He stressed that the proper route for the talents is to offer to buy the master rights at a fair valuation, which EeZee Conceptz can either accept or reject.

The meeting, held at the residence of a prominent reverend, included representatives from both parties, gospel artist JudikayEeZee Conceptz’s legal counsel, and veteran actress Hilda Dokubo. Omorogbe stated that he attended the meeting to provide context and share insights on resolving disputes within the industry.

He concluded by saying: "This is an issue that can be resolved professionally and amicably. There is no need for compulsion, law enforcement, or undue escalation. Negotiation is the right path to resolve such matters."

The dispute between Mercy Chinwo, Judi Kay and EeZee Conceptz has sparked significant public interest, with allegations and counter-allegations from both sides regarding financial impropriety, contractual breaches, and ownership of the artist’s music catalogue.


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EeZee Tee Refutes Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s Claims, Reaffirms Transparency and Catalogue Ownership

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Mercy Chinwo former label EeZee Conceptz has issued an official response to Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s press statement, rejecting claims of financial impropriety and non-cooperation during mediation efforts in its ongoing dispute with former artist Mercy Chinwo. The label has strongly reaffirmed its transparency, contractual compliance, and rightful ownership of the music catalogue created during Mercy Chinwo’s time with the label.

In its response, EeZee Conceptz highlighted key inaccuracies in Apostle Madubuko’s account of events, asserting that the mediation process has been hindered by bias and misrepresentation of facts.

According to EeZee Conceptz, while the Apostle’s press statement attempts to frame the dispute as a financial issue, the real contention has always been the ownership of master rights.

"At the mediation meetings, the artists demanded the transfer of master rights to them, despite the clear terms of their contracts, which state that the music catalogue is owned by the label in perpetuity. These demands are not only legally unfounded but also go against the principles of fairness and respect for agreements," the label stated.

The label emphasized that the artists are entitled only to royalties from the catalogue, which have been transparently accounted for.

"No funds were diverted by EeZee Conceptz. This entire campaign against the EeZee Tee  is an orchestrated attempt to forcefully claim ownership of the music catalogue we fully funded and produced. This is a clear violation of the contract terms that both parties agreed to," the statement added.

 

EeZee Conceptz also addressed allegations by Apostle Madubuko that it failed to cooperate with the audit process. According to the label, it submitted its financial records to Judikay’s personal auditors to commence the process but faced roadblocks when Apostle Madubuko stopped responding to follow-up attempts to schedule meetings for appointing mutually trusted auditors.

"Contrary to the Apostle’s claims, I personally called him several times, sent messages, and even visited his house twice in an effort to reschedule the meeting for appointing new auditors. He assured me he would revert, but to date, I have received no response," said EeZee Tee, CEO of EeZee Conceptz.

The label further revealed that it endured undue hardship during the dispute, including the nine-day detention of its CEO in Ilorin, during which all personal and corporate accounts were frozen. However, after extensive investigations into its books, no evidence of financial misconduct was found.

"Despite the ordeal I faced, including losing access to my family and business operations during my detention, our records were thoroughly investigated, and no wrongdoing was discovered. This is a testament to the transparency and integrity with which EeZee Conceptz operates," the EeZee Tee stated.

EeZee Conceptz expressed disappointment in what it described as Apostle Madubuko’s biased handling of the mediation process.

"When men of God are entrusted with resolving conflicts, they must approach the matter with fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to truth. Unfortunately, Apostle Madubuko has allowed bias to cloud his role, making false claims and failing to address breaches on the part of the artist," the label said.

The label cited examples from the first mediation meeting, where it raised issues of one of the artists boycotting scheduled events and diverting funds to personal accounts in breach of her contract. According to EeZee Conceptz, the Apostle failed to address these breaches, further questioning the neutrality of the process.

Despite the ongoing challenges, EeZee Conceptz reiterated its commitment to fairness, integrity, and adherence to contractual agreements.

"Throughout our history, EeZee Conceptz has provided periodic financial reports to all our talents, ensuring full transparency. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold justice, protect the integrity of our contracts, and defend the investments we have made to support gospel creatives. We trust that the truth will ultimately prevail," the label concluded.

 

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Background

The dispute between EeZee Conceptz and Mercy Chinwo has gained significant public attention, centered around claims of unpaid royalties, fund diversion, and disagreements over the ownership of master rights.

In a press statement dated January 18, 2025, Apostle Anselm Madubuko detailed his involvement as a mediator, accusing EeZee Conceptz of various wrongs. The label, however, has denied these allegations, maintaining that the real issue lies in attempts to unlawfully claim ownership of its music catalogue.

The label also revealed that its CEO, EeZee Tee, was detained for nine days during the dispute, during which its accounts were thoroughly investigated, and no wrongdoing was discovered.

The dispute has seen several failed mediation attempts, including multiple sessions where the focus shifted to the demand for master rights. EeZee Conceptz has maintained that it owns the catalogue in perpetuity and is only obligated to pay royalties to the artist under the terms of their agreement.

 

Eezee Tee Respond To Fraud And Contractual Dispute With Mercy Chinwo

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Gospel music label EeZee Conceptz has issued an official response to recent allegations leveled against its CEO, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (popularly known as EeZee Tee),  concerning a purported fraud of $345,000 involving gospel artist Mercy Chinwo. The label strongly refutes these claims and has clarified its position on the ongoing contractual dispute with the artist.

In its statement, EeZee Conceptz addressed the claims made against Onyedikachukwu, which include:

Allegations Filed Against EeZee Conceptz CEO by Mercy Chinwo

Fraudulent Diversion of Funds: Mercy Chinwo alleges her former label boss diverted $345,000 in royalties generated from digital platforms and events without remitting her share.

Failure to Disclose Earnings: Accused of receiving royalties from digital platforms, music content, and performances without providing proper transparency.

Breach of Trust: Allegedly withheld funds entrusted to him for proper management.

Alleged Evasion of Arrest: The EFCC claims EeZee Tee  has avoided attempts to bring him in for questioning and has failed to cooperate with investigations, resulting in a warrant of arrest.

In its response, EeZee Conceptz revealed that Mercy Chinwo has received over $625,000 in earnings since signing a 50/50 gross revenue-sharing agreement, which the label maintains has been honored transparently. The label further alleges that the current dispute stems from breaches of contract by the artist, including:

Failure to deliver a third studio album as required under the agreement.

Withholding funds from events, royalties, and digital content that were

contractually due to the label.

 

Despite these breaches, EeZee Conceptz stated that it made repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably, including proposing reconciliation meetings, but claims these efforts have been ignored by the artist.

EeZee Conceptz emphasized its sole financial investment in the production, promotion, and distribution of Mercy Chinwo’s music catalogue, asserting that the artist did not contribute financially to the body of work. The label reiterated that all funds, assets, and intellectual property tied to the catalogue remain the property of EeZee Conceptz under the terms of the contract.

The label also noted that it has consistently fulfilled its financial obligations to the artist, remitting royalties and other payments promptly. In response to public claims made by the artist, the label urged transparency, stating:

"We invite the artist to publicly share her bank statements and records of music production before and during her time with EeZee Conceptz to clarify the significant financial investment made by the label in her career."

EeZee Conceptz expressed concern over what it described as a misuse of institutional processes to escalate the dispute. The label highlighted a prior incident where its CEO was allegedly illegally detained by the EFCC for nine days, during which $274,000 was extorted under duress. Despite these challenges, the label maintained that it has continued to act within the confines of the law.

"We remain committed to the rule of law and trust that the legal system will ensure a fair resolution to this matter. The allegations of fraud are not only baseless but a direct attempt to undermine the years of investment, mentorship, and support provided to Mercy Chinwo through EeZee Conceptz," the statement read.

EeZee Conceptz has called on industry stakeholders, fans, and the media to approach the matter with professionalism and objectivity. The label urged caution in engaging with one-sided narratives, encouraging a focus on verifiable facts and legal processes to avoid undue harm to the reputation of all parties involved.

The label concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the continued promotion of gospel music in Nigeria and beyond.


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