Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has explained why he stopped publicly speaking about his dispute with his former manager, Damilola Akinwunmi, better known as Dapper.

Shallipopi said his legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) advised him to step back from public commentary while the matter is under investigation.

The singer said he would no longer use his music, social media or other media platforms to address the dispute, stressing that allowing the legal process to run its course was necessary for justice to be served. In his words:

“My legal team and the EFCC have advised me that, for justice to be served, I need to step back and trust the legal process. Because of this, I cannot fight for myself using my music nor my words. I cannot sing about it, talk about it, or share it on any media platform for now.”

Shallipopi had earlier accused Dapper of withholding royalties from 46 of his songs, including his hit track, “E Don Cast.” He also alleged that Dapper forged his signature on a 10-year distribution agreement and used it in a deal involving Virgin Music Group.

Dapper has denied allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency and exploitative contractual arrangements made by Shallipopi and other former signees. He has also denied selling artists’ catalogues to third parties.

Despite stepping back from public commentary, Shallipopi said he still stands by his claims.

“While I stand firmly by the truth of my claims, I now understand why I cannot make public commentary on matters under active investigation, nor use my artistic expression to address them as I did a few weeks ago,” he said.

The singer added that the dispute was particularly important to him because it concerned everything he had worked for since his teenage years.