Afe Babalola’s Firm Petitions LPDC, Seeks Dele Farotimi’s Disbarment Over Alleged Misconduct  

The prestigious law firm of Afe Babalola & Co. has filed a formal petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking to have Lagos-based lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi disbarred.

The firm accuses Farotimi of violating numerous provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.

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

The petition alleges that Farotimi engaged in conduct unbecoming of a lawyer, including making unfounded accusations of corruption against the Nigerian judiciary and senior legal professionals, including Supreme Court justices, judges of the Lagos High Court, and senior members of Afe Babalola & Co.

Key accusations include:
– Making defamatory statements against judicial officers and legal practitioners.
– Assisting clients in unlawful activities and breaching judicial ethics.
– Disrespecting court processes and decisions, including those of the Supreme Court.
– Using offensive language to discredit the judiciary and legal profession.

The petition further alleges that Farotimi knowingly distorted facts, obstructed justice, and failed to treat colleagues and the courts with the required respect and professionalism.

The law firm stated, “This petition seeks to protect the dignity of the legal profession, uphold the integrity of the judiciary, and ensure adherence to ethical standards within the legal practice.”

The petitioners highlighted several statements from Farotimi’s book, arguing that they could incite public distrust in the judiciary and tarnish the reputation of those named.

The LPDC, a regulatory body overseeing the conduct of legal practitioners in Nigeria, is tasked with investigating the allegations. Should the committee find merit in the claims, it could recommend that Farotimi’s name be struck off the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court.

The case has drawn significant attention, with observers noting its potential implications for freedom of speech, professional ethics, and accountability within Nigeria’s legal system. Farotimi has yet to publicly respond to the petition.