Afe Babalola Writes LPDC, Wants Farotimi Barred From Law Practice

The Law Firm of Afe Babalola has written a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, (LPDC), urging it to strike out the name of Lagos-based legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi, from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria for allegedly violating certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>

The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro, a partner at the firm and a subject of Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

The 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024 was signed by a partner in the law firm, Mr. Ola Faro, who was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its criminal justice system.”

It accuses Farotimi of making malicious corruption allegations against senior legal practitioners, justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Lagos State High Court, and Afe Babalola’s firm.

Faro, signing the petition in both his personal capacity and on behalf of the firm, outlined Farotimi’s alleged contraventions, including: Making false accusations against the judiciary and legal profession.

Participating in conduct he allegedly knew to be unlawful, including bribery and improper access to judicial officers.

Assisting clients in illegal activities and making misleading statements of law and fact.

Disrespecting fellow lawyers, the judiciary, and the Supreme Court by using offensive language and obstructing the administration of justice.

The petitioners argue that Farotimi’s conduct undermines the legal profession, discredits the judiciary, and threatens public confidence in the justice system.

“The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice, and to uphold the standards of the legal profession,” the petition reads.

The petitioners also claim that statements made in Farotimi’s book could dent the judiciary’s reputation and destabilize society by inciting distrust in the legal system.

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC is the regulatory body that investigates and addresses misconduct among Nigerian lawyers.

The LPDC ensures that legal practitioners adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct.

The body can order that the name of a legal practitioner be struck off the roll of lawyers kept at the Supreme Court. Such decision is however subject to appeal to the Supreme Court.