Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipopi has explained why he remained silent over his ongoing dispute with his former manager, Damilola Akinwumi, popularly known as Dapper.

The Benin-born artiste had previously accused Dapper of withholding royalties from 46 of his songs.

In a statement to his fans on X, Shallipopi said his legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) advised him to step back and allow the legal process to take its course.

He said the allegations against Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited must be thoroughly investigated and that speaking publicly about the matter could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

Shallipopi maintained that he still stood by his claims but would no longer use his music, social media or other public platforms to address the dispute.

The singer said the situation was particularly difficult because his career and the work he had done since his teenage years were tied to the matter.

He concluded by saying he remained hopeful that justice would prevail, adding that it was “depressing” that he could not be “Shallipopi for myself.”