Singer Runtown has spoken out after an FCT High Court ruled that his recording agreement with Eric Many Limited is still valid, accusing the label’s founder, Okwudili Umenyiora, popularly known as Dilly, of misleading the public.
The court held that Runtown’s 2016 contract with Eric Many had not been legally terminated. It also directed the artiste to honour the terms of the agreement and awarded over N319 million against him for damages, recoupment and legal costs linked to breaches of the contract.
Responding on X, Runtown rejected the outcome and insisted he would never surrender control of his music catalogue to the label.
He wrote:
“Back outside! So not going to let any agenda run …Mr Dilly, every year you try to deceive people with fake court orders … you think after 9 years I’ll give you passwords and access to my catalogue ?? lol nice try …. Keep trying.”
The legal dispute between Runtown and Eric Many began in 2016 after the singer attempted to exit the record label before his contract expired.
The label accused him of accepting performance bookings, releasing songs and arranging international tours without its consent, resulting in multiple court cases in both Nigeria and the United States.
As part of the dispute, a United States District Court in New York granted Eric Many a temporary restraining order in 2016, preventing Runtown from performing at scheduled shows in the US while the contractual case was still pending.
