Pelumi Olajengbesi, the legal representative of Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, has provided an update on the ongoing dispute between his client and her former record label boss, EezeeTee.
According to him, both parties have initiated a settlement process to resolve their publicized conflict.
This development comes after businessman Dr. Stephen Akintayo positioned himself as a mediator in the dispute.
In response to Akintayo’s involvement, Olajengbesi issued a statement via Instagram on Friday, February 7, 2025, clarifying the progress of the settlement.
Addressing Dr. Akintayo directly, Olajengbesi acknowledged the businessman’s concerns and interest in resolving the matter.
He expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts but assured that legal steps were already being taken to bring the conflict to a peaceful conclusion.
“Dear @stephenakintayo, My name is Pelumi Olajengbesi. I am a Legal Practitioner and Solicitor to Minister Mercy Chinwo. I sincerely appreciate your concern and efforts toward mediation,” he wrote in his statement.
The lawyer emphasized that the parties involved had already begun meaningful discussions through their legal representatives.
He expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “I want to assure you that concrete steps are being taken toward a final resolution. The parties are genuinely committed to a settlement and have met through their lawyers. By God’s grace, we are confident that a resolution will be reached soon.”
He also indicated a willingness to provide updates but made it clear that such updates would not be shared on social media.
However, Olajengbesi also took the opportunity to critique Dr. Akintayo’s approach to mediation, particularly his use of social media to address the matter.
He pointed out that mediation should follow certain professional principles and suggested that Akintayo’s public interventions might not be in line with best practices.
“On a personal note, I would have preferred to send this privately,” Olajengbesi noted. “However, since your efforts have been made public, I must advise that you take a step back and reflect on the elementary rules of a mediator.”
The lawyer further recommended that Dr. Akintayo reassess his methods, suggesting that he refer to mediation texts or utilize AI tools to better understand the nuances of conflict resolution.
“It may be beneficial to use AI tools or refer to elementary mediation texts to reassess how you’ve engaged with this matter,” he advised.
This comment underscored the importance of a structured and professional approach when intervening in sensitive disputes.
Olajengbesi also highlighted some of Akintayo’s past statements that he found inappropriate.
He specifically referenced a comment where Akintayo suggested that Mercy Chinwo was being misguided by those who were not directly affected by the public fallout.
“‘Those encouraging @mercychinwo not to listen to anyone do not have their names dragged daily on social media. It’s Mercy’s name and reputation on the line, not that of the counselors,'” Olajengbesi quoted, describing such remarks as counterproductive.
“Statements like these are highly inappropriate and against basic rules of mediation. I hope you are open to constructive feedback,” he added.
To illustrate his point further, Olajengbesi used a hypothetical scenario to demonstrate why public mediation might not be the best approach.
He argued that if Dr. Akintayo were to face a dispute in his own business, he would likely not appreciate someone taking to social media to intervene.
“If someone were to have a dispute with you in your area of business tomorrow, maybe recovery of money or breach of contract, I assure you I would not take to social media to announce myself as a mediator,” he explained.
The lawyer also criticized the way Akintayo framed his involvement in the case, particularly his public declarations about his mediation efforts.
“Appealing that you come forward to my beautiful office or creating videos that suggest efforts and advice—before finally announcing that this is your last public statement—does not align with the principles of mediation,” Olajengbesi stated.
His remarks suggested that publicizing private settlement discussions could do more harm than good.
In conclusion, Olajengbesi reaffirmed that the mediation process was progressing smoothly between Mercy Chinwo and EezeeTee.
He urged Dr. Akintayo and others to allow legal representatives to handle the matter professionally without unnecessary public interventions.
His statement not only updated the public but also served as a strong reminder that disputes of this nature require careful and private handling rather than social media spectacle.
