Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, on Thursday faulted the National Assembly over the re-introduction of the anti-hate speech bill.
The controversial bill, which seeks to regulate and punish people who make unguarded statements, was recently re-introduced by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
While speaking at a book presentation and platinum recognition as parts of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Tribune titles, Oba Adeyemi insisted that anyone who don’t want to be criticised has no business in government.
He challenged lawyers and other professionals not to allow the bill sail through, saying death penalty should not be the punishment for abuse.
According to him: “If I have not killed anyone; and I give an opinion that is contrary to the government, will it be a sufficient reason for me to be charged for death penalty? Where are the lawyers in Nigeria? Constitutional lawyers in Nigeria, where are they? Can’t they speak up? Chief Olowu, you are here.
“Nobody is speaking up. If you don’t want to be criticised, then you don’t have to be in government. My friend Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe has a peculiar character and I wish he could continue to learn about the Constitutional lesson from Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his reply to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. We have quotation and quotations from this literate man. I have read almost all his books, published.”
