Rita Odafe
Dele Farotimi
The legal firm led by Afe Babalola has lodged a formal petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), urging the removal of Dele Farotimi from the roster of legal practitioners in Nigeria. This action is predicated on accusations that Farotimi has breached several professional conduct regulations.
Dated December 6, 2024, the 90-page document was prepared by Ola Faro, a partner within the firm, who is referenced in Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The petition is formally named “PETITION AGAINST TOMILOLA TITUS FAROTIMI (ALSO KNOWN AS DELE FAROTIMI ESQ), A NIGERIAN LAWYER… FOR VIOLATION OF THE EXTANT RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT…” The allegations include damaging the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary through unfounded claims of corruption directed at notable judges and legal figures.
Faro indicated that he authored the petition in both a personal and professional capacity and outlined the pertinent background and specifics of Farotimi’s alleged rule breaches.
The petitioners assert that Farotimi has acted inappropriately for a legal practitioner by leveling false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal community.
They further accuse him of unlawful actions, including offering bribes to judicial officials and gaining unauthorized access to these officials.
“He involved himself in unethical behavior alongside his clients concerning judicial officers.”
He is also accused of providing services potentially leading to corruption and disrespect towards judicial officers. Other charges include making knowingly false statements regarding cases already determined by the Supreme Court and assisting clients in illegal activities.
In addition, Farotimi allegedly treated fellow lawyers with disrespect, allowing personal grievances to impact his professional conduct, and acted in ways that undermined the justice system for personal gain.
“He failed to uphold good faith in dealings with colleagues concerning matters already adjudicated by the Supreme Court.”
Furthermore, the petition highlights that he has used derogatory language towards the Supreme Court and its justices, made slanderous remarks about judicial members, and indicated discussing an active case with a judge without the opposing counsel present.
The petition argues that Farotimi’s actions have prompted this call for intervention to safeguard the integrity of the legal profession and uphold the standards of judicial respect.
It is emphasized that statements within Farotimi’s work could inflame tensions within the legal community and society at large, aiming to tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary and specific legal practitioners.
The LPDC serves as the governing authority responsible for investigating and responding to allegations of professional misconduct within Nigeria’s legal sector.
