Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has responded to a lawsuit threat issued by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over alleged defamatory remarks made on social media.
Obi, through his legal representatives, Alex Ejesieme & Co., had written to Adeyanju, citing a series of posts on X and Facebook where the activist allegedly referred to him as “a religious bigot, a fraud, a product of bad upbringing, a scam, and a thief.”
The letter demanded that Adeyanju retract the statements, delete the posts, and publish a public apology on his platforms as well as in three national newspapers.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Adeyanju dismissed the legal threat, stressing that politicians must be open to scrutiny. He argued that criticism is an unavoidable aspect of public life.
“If Peter Obi doesn’t want to be criticized, he should go back to his house and eat jollof rice. Anyone who puts themselves in public office must be criticized, scrutinized, and even insulted,” he said.
Adeyanju maintained that his remarks fell within the bounds of free expression, insisting that democracy allows citizens to question and challenge their leaders.
He argued that attempting to silence critics through litigation could set a dangerous precedent for free speech in Nigeria.
The development has generated widespread reactions online, with Obi’s supporters insisting that unverified claims should not go unchallenged, while Adeyanju’s backers argue that political leaders should be prepared to withstand harsh commentary.
Legal observers note that the matter could test the balance between freedom of expression and protection from defamation in Nigeria, especially within the heated context of political discourse.
