A heated dispute between human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and former presidential candidate Peter Obi has opened up a broader conversation about the boundaries of political criticism in Nigeria.
The tension began when Obi filed a defamation lawsuit against Adeyanju, though the specific details of what prompted the legal action haven’t been fully disclosed.
What we do know is that Adeyanju isn’t backing down, and he’s using the opportunity to make a larger point about political accountability.
During a recent interview with Channels Television, Adeyanju didn’t mince words about his position.
He believes that anyone who steps into the political arena must be prepared for the full spectrum of public reaction – both positive and negative.
“If Peter doesn’t want to be criticized, he should go back to his house and be eating jollof rice,” Adeyanju said bluntly.
“Anyone who puts himself up for public office must be criticized, scrutinized, and insulted. Anybody who feels too big to be criticized or insulted has no business in politics.”
Adeyanju’s comments have caused fierce debate online, with many questioning whether he understands the legal distinction between legitimate criticism and defamation.
The responses reveal how polarizing this issue has become.
Critics argue that as a lawyer, Adeyanju should know better than to conflate harsh criticism with potential defamation.
One user pointed out the irony: “A lawyer who does not know what is criticism and defamation.
You wake up every day to talk about a man who never offended you, who isn’t in government, while ignoring those in power.”
Others questioned his legal credentials entirely, with some wondering how someone who allegedly doesn’t understand basic defamation law could practice as an attorney.
