Afe Babalola Law Firm Seeks Disbarment of Dele Farotimi Over Alleged Judicial Misconduct
The Law Firm of Afe Babalola has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the removal of Lagos-based lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria. The petition, dated December 6, 2024, accuses Farotimi of violating multiple provisions of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers. It claims that Farotimi made false accusations against the Supreme Court, judicial officers, and other prominent figures in the legal community, as detailed in his book "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System."
The 90-page petition, signed by Ola Faro of Afe Babalola & Co., alleges that Farotimi engaged in unprofessional conduct, including making defamatory statements against the judiciary, corrupting judicial officers, and disrespecting fellow lawyers. The petition claims Farotimi's actions undermined the integrity of the legal profession, obstructed justice, and damaged the reputations of those he accused, including Supreme Court justices and Afe Babalola SAN.
The petition also highlights Farotimi’s behavior during a case already decided by the Supreme Court, where he allegedly distorted facts, made false statements of law, and sought to frustrate the decision for personal gain. These actions, the petitioners argue, set a dangerous precedent and tarnished the reputation of the entire Nigerian judiciary.
The LPDC, which regulates professional conduct in the legal profession, is tasked with investigating the claims. If the committee finds merit in the petition, it could recommend that Farotimi be struck off the roll of lawyers, though such a decision is subject to appeal to the Supreme Court.
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