A renowned journalist, author, and columnist, Ike Abonyi, has dismissed claims by human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, that the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, offered him money for political support.
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Abonyi, who said he personally brokered the meeting between Obi and Adeyanju in the buildup to the 2023 elections, stressed that no such offer was ever made.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Abonyi described Adeyanju’s assertions as “far from the truth,” recalling that the meeting was an open discussion in which Obi narrated his life story both in and out of government.
“I was at the meeting Deji had with Obi and was there all through. After about three hours of frank discussion, we left together. At no point did Obi make such an offer. I was shocked to my marrow reading from Deji what I did not hear,” Abonyi said, adding that Adeyanju was free to support any candidate without resorting to “funny blackmails.”
Meanwhile, Adeyanju’s recent social media posts have triggered sharp criticism within the legal community, with colleagues warning that his conduct falls short of the standards expected of a lawyer.
A lawyer Okorọma C. Donatus Esq, reacting to Adeyanju’s posts where he described Obi as a “religious bigot” and “a fraud parading himself as a messiah,” noted that such remarks were reckless, defamatory, and unbecoming of a member of the bar.
“Defamatory? Absolutely. Unbecoming of a lawyer? Without question,” the lawyer said, stressing that Adeyanju’s repeated public attacks on Obi explain the recent legal notice and threat of litigation against him.
Legal practitioners argue that by publishing and mocking the demand letter from Obi’s legal team, Adeyanju not only undermined the solemnity of the pre-litigation process but also risked compounding the defamation claims against him.
They cautioned that professional ethics require lawyers to uphold integrity, restraint, and decorum, not to engage in social-media theatrics.
“The proper response is to retract, negotiate, or prepare a defence—not run online with taunts. Publishing a confidential demand letter is a serious breach of legal ethics,” another lawyer observed.
Calling on Adeyanju to retrace his steps, lawyers urged him to take down the controversial posts, issue a public retraction and apology, and recommit himself to the dignity of the profession.
They also advised Obi’s legal team to pursue remedies available under Nigerian defamation law, including damages, injunctions, and a public apology.
“The courtroom not Facebook is where grievances are resolved,” a senior lawyer emphasized. “As officers of the court, we must lead by example and protect the credibility of the justice system.”
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