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The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Rotimi Odunaike, has called for the protection of fundamental human rights and the preservation of human dignity in the administration of justice as the Federal High Court in Ibadan adjourned proceedings in the defamation case involving musician and social media critic, Afunso Ridwan Abiola, popularly known as Rolex Dee, to November 24.
Odunaike made the call while attending proceedings at the Ibadan Division of the court, where Rolex Dee’s plea was taken for the first time in connection with a case arising from a defamation complaint involving Fuji musician, Taiwo Akanbi Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency.
The development comes as Rolex Dee has been released from custody after fulfilling the bail conditions imposed by the court, following delays in the verification of a property document submitted by one of his sureties.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Odunaike maintained that although judicial proceedings must be allowed to run their course, the process should not undermine the dignity, liberty and fundamental rights of the defendant.
“While the judicial process must run its course, it should never come at the expense of anyone’s dignity or the sanctity of their liberty,” he said.
The Labour Party candidate said his presence at the court was to demonstrate solidarity with Rolex Dee and reaffirm his commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the creative industry.
According to him, the musician has made significant contributions to the creative sector in Lagos State and across Nigeria and deserves support as he pursues justice through the legal process.
“I am here to show solidarity with Rolex Dee, who has made immense contributions to the creative sector in Lagos State and across Nigeria. He deserves protection and support in his quest for justice,” Odunaike said.
He expressed concern about the potential implications of the case for the musician’s professional career, adding that efforts to help him return to his activities would be a priority after the legal proceedings.
“The next step will be his rehabilitation, particularly getting his career back on track. That will be a top priority,” he said.
Odunaike also used the occasion to assure Lagos residents that their welfare and interests would remain central to his proposed administration, promising that no resident would be abandoned when faced with difficulties.
“I want to send a clear message to Lagosians that, wherever they live, no Lagosian will be left behind under my watch as governor,” he added.
The musician’s release followed the completion of the bail process, which had reportedly been stalled for weeks over the verification of a property document submitted by one of his sureties.
His counsel, Damilare Adenola, had presented the required sureties before the Federal High Court in Ibadan on September 16, 2026, as part of efforts to fulfil the conditions attached to the bail granted to his client.
One of the sureties reportedly submitted an official land title document to establish ownership of the property being used to secure the bail.
However, the process was delayed pending verification of the document by the Oyo State Land Registry.
Court registry officials reportedly confirmed that a formal request for verification was sent to the land registry on September 17, a day after the sureties were presented.
Despite the request, the verification was reportedly not completed promptly, leaving the musician in custody while his legal representative worked to satisfy the bail conditions.
There were also allegations that the delay was linked to the official assigned to process the verification request. Sources familiar with the matter claimed that the official had failed to attend to the file while accompanying political figures to campaign activities across Oyo State.
However, the allegations have not been independently established, and the reason for the delay in completing the verification remained unclear.
The case centres on allegations of defamation involving Rolex Dee and Taye Currency. The proceedings are expected to continue when the matter comes up again on November 24.
