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 case involving musician and social media critic, Afunso Ridwan Abiola, popularly known as Rolex Dee, to November 24.
Odunaike made the call yesterday while attending proceedings at the Ibadan Division of the Federal High Court, where Rolex Dee’s plea was taken for the first time in connection with a defamation case instituted by the state following a petition by Fuji musician, Taiwo Akanbi Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency.
The latest development came after Rolex Dee, who had been granted bail by the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, was released after fulfilling the bail conditions, reports Daily Independent.
His release followed delays in the verification of a property document submitted by one of the sureties presented by the musician.
The bail process was delayed over the verification of a property document submitted by one of the sureties presented by the musician.
While speaking, Odunaike stressed that although judicial proceedings must be allowed to run their course, the process should not undermine the dignity, liberty and fundamental rights of the accused.
He said: “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.”
The Labour Party candidate explained that his presence at the court was to demonstrate solidarity with Rolex Dee and reaffirm his commitment to the protection of the rights and welfare of people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the creative industry.
According to him, Rolex Dee has made significant contributions to the creative sector in Lagos State and across Nigeria and deserves support and protection in his pursuit of justice.
“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.”
He maintained that the legal proceedings should not overshadow the need to preserve the defendant’s dignity and ensure that his fundamental rights were respected throughout the process.
Odunaike also expressed concern about the potential impact of the case on Rolex Dee’s career, promising to prioritise his rehabilitation and help him return to his professional activities after the legal process.
“The next step will be his rehabilitation, particularly getting his career back on track. That will be a top priority,” he said.
The politician further said his appearance at the court was intended to reassure Lagos residents that their welfare and interests would remain a priority under his proposed administration.
He added that his commitment to public service would extend to Lagosians irrespective of where they lived, stressing that no resident should be abandoned when confronted 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,” Odunaike said.
Meanwhile, the bail process for Rolex Dee had been delayed by the verification of a property document submitted by one of his sureties to satisfy the conditions imposed by the court.
The musician’s counsel, Damilare Adenola, had presented the required sureties before the Federal High Court in Ibadan on September 16, 2026, as part of the process of fulfilling the bail conditions granted to his client.
One of the sureties reportedly surrendered an official land title document to the court as evidence of the property being used to secure the bail.
The process was, however, stalled for weeks because the document had not been promptly verified by the Oyo State Land Registry.
Court registry officials confirmed that a formal request seeking verification of the property document was sent to the land registry on September 17, 2026, a day after the sureties were presented.
It was gathered that more than a week after the request was reportedly submitted, the verification had yet to be completed, leaving the musician in custody despite the steps taken by his legal representative to fulfil the bail requirements.
It was also alleged that the delay was linked to the official assigned to process the verification request.
Sources familiar with the matter reportedly claimed that the official had failed to attend to the file while accompanying political figures to campaign activities across Oyo State.
The allegations surrounding the delay had not been independently established, and the reason for the land registry’s failure to complete the verification remained unclear.
The case arose from allegations of defamation involving Rolex Dee and Taye Currency, a prominent Fuji musician.
