Afe Babalola Law Firm Petitions LPDC to Disbar Dele Farotimi Over Alleged Professional Misconduct

 

Prominent Nigerian law firm, Afe Babalola & Co., has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) seeking the disbarment of Lagos-based legal practitioner Dele Farotimi. The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, accuses Farotimi of violating multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for legal practitioners, including allegations of defaming the judiciary and engaging in unethical practices.

The petition, signed by Ola Faro, a partner in Afe Babalola & Co., references statements made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Faro, writing in his personal capacity and on behalf of the firm, claims the book contains unfounded allegations of corruption against the Supreme Court, judges of the Lagos High Court, and other senior legal figures, including Aare Afe Babalola SAN.

The petition outlines a range of accusations, including:

• Making false allegations of corruption against Supreme Court justices and the Nigerian judiciary.
• Participating in unlawful conduct, including alleged bribery of judicial officers.
• Disrespecting and undermining the dignity of the judiciary through offensive language and defamatory statements.
• Assisting clients in actions known to be illegal or fraudulent.
• Obstructing justice by taking steps to frustrate Supreme Court decisions for personal and client benefit.
• Failing to treat fellow lawyers with respect and fairness during legal proceedings.

The petitioners assert that Farotimi’s conduct was designed to ridicule the judiciary, discredit Afe Babalola & Co., and tarnish the reputations of senior legal professionals.

Afe Babalola & Co. urged the LPDC to act decisively to protect the integrity of the legal profession, maintain public confidence in the judiciary, and uphold ethical standards. The firm emphasized that Farotimi’s alleged actions risk eroding trust in the legal system and setting a dangerous precedent within the profession.

The LPDC, as the regulatory body for addressing professional misconduct among Nigerian lawyers, is expected to review the petition and determine whether disciplinary action, including possible disbarment, is warranted.

This high-profile petition highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s legal community, as concerns about ethical conduct and judicial accountability remain central to the profession’s credibility.