Afe Babalola’s Law Firm has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), requesting the removal of lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, from the list of Nigerian legal practitioners. The petition alleges that Farotimi breached several provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.
The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro, a partner at Afe Babalola & Co. The petition claims that Farotimi’s actions violated multiple sections of the Rules, including making defamatory allegations against prominent members of Nigeria’s judiciary, including Supreme Court justices and other legal professionals.
The petition is titled: “Petition Against Tomilola Titus Farotimi (aka Dele Farotimi Esq), A Nigerian Lawyer, for Violating the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.” It specifically accuses Farotimi of undermining the integrity of the judiciary and his fellow lawyers by making unfounded allegations of corruption in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” In the petition, Faro argues that Farotimi’s actions include spreading false information, making derogatory comments about judicial officers, and engaging in unethical conduct by influencing court decisions for personal gain.
The petition details several instances where Farotimi allegedly facilitated misconduct, including bribery of judicial officers and attempting to manipulate court proceedings. Farotimi is also accused of showing disrespect to the judiciary by using offensive language against the Supreme Court and its justices.
The petition further claims that Farotimi obstructed the administration of justice by attempting to frustrate a Supreme Court decision for the benefit of his client. His actions, the petitioners argue, have the potential to damage the reputation of the judiciary and the legal profession as a whole.
Additionally, the petition highlights statements made in Farotimi’s book, which are believed to inflame tensions within the legal community and damage the reputations of respected legal professionals. These statements have already led to a court order barring the publication, sale, or distribution of the book, and Farotimi is facing multiple legal challenges related to defamation and cyberbullying.
In light of these serious allegations, Afe Babalola’s firm is calling for Farotimi’s removal from the list of Nigerian legal practitioners to preserve the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
