The law firm of Afe Babalola & Co. has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi for alleged violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.
The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm, who was also referenced in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The petition accuses Farotimi of making unfounded allegations of corruption against the judiciary, including Supreme Court justices, Lagos High Court judges, and members of Afe Babalola & Co.
The petition outlines alleged breaches of professional conduct, including:
- Making false and defamatory statements about judicial officers and the legal profession.
- Assisting clients in illegal and fraudulent activities.
- Engaging in misconduct by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to them.
- Failing to maintain respect, fairness, and dignity in dealing with fellow lawyers and the courts.
- Using offensive and unprofessional language against the Supreme Court and its justices.
According to the petitioners, these actions discredit the judiciary and undermine the integrity of the legal profession. They argue that Farotimi’s statements in his book are capable of causing harm to the reputation of the judiciary, their law firm, and society at large.
The LPDC, tasked with regulating legal practitioners in Nigeria, has the authority to investigate allegations of professional misconduct and recommend sanctions, including striking a lawyer’s name off the roll of legal practitioners.
The petitioners stated that the petition was filed to uphold the dignity of the legal profession and the judiciary as a temple of justice. The LPDC’s decision, if unfavorable to Farotimi, can be appealed to the Supreme Court.
