Court adjourns case to November 24
By Adeola Badru
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 on Tuesday 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 development followed Rolex Dee’s release after he fulfilled the bail conditions imposed by the court.
The bail process had been delayed by the verification of a property document submitted by one of the sureties presented by the musician.
Speaking at the court, Odunaike stressed that although judicial proceedings must 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 Nigerians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the creative industry.
According to him, Rolex Dee has contributed to the creative sector in Lagos State and across Nigeria and deserves support as he pursues 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,” Odunaike said.
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 the musician’s career, saying he would prioritise his rehabilitation and support his return to 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 added that his appearance at the court was intended to reassure Lagos residents that their welfare and interests would remain a priority under his proposed administration.
“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.
The bail process reportedly stalled after the musician’s counsel, Damilare Adenola, presented the required sureties before the court on September 16, 2026.
One of the sureties reportedly submitted an official land title document as evidence of the property being used to secure the bail.
Court registry officials confirmed that a formal request for verification of the document was sent to the Oyo State Land Registry on September 17, 2026, a day after the sureties were presented.
However, the verification reportedly remained outstanding for more than a week, delaying the completion of the bail process.
There were also allegations that the delay was linked to the official assigned to process the verification request.
Sources familiar with the matter reportedly alleged that the official had failed to attend to the file while accompanying political figures to campaign activities across Oyo State.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and the reason for the delay in completing the verification remained unclear.
The case arose from allegations of defamation involving Rolex Dee and Taye Currency.
The post Rolex Dee: Lagos LP candidate demands dignified justice appeared first on Vanguard News.