Renowned Nigerian legal practitioner, Afe Babalola, has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), calling for the removal of Dele Farotimi from the roll of legal practitioners. The petition accuses Farotimi of gross professional misconduct and violating the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners. The allegations stem from statements made in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” which Babalola claims are defamatory and damaging to the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
The petition, signed by representatives of Afe Babalola & Co., alleges that Farotimi made unfounded accusations of corruption against justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Lagos State High Court, and senior legal professionals, including Afe Babalola himself. Babalola asserts that these claims have brought the legal profession into disrepute and undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The 90-page petition specifically cites instances where Farotimi allegedly violated ethical codes, including false accusations and improper conduct.
This legal move comes shortly after Farotimi was reportedly detained on charges of criminal defamation, also linked to the controversial statements in his book. Babalola’s petition emphasizes that Farotimi’s alleged actions are unbecoming of a legal practitioner and contravene the standards expected of those sworn to uphold the law. The LPDC has the authority to investigate such cases and impose penalties, including the disbarment of legal practitioners found guilty of misconduct.
Farotimi, a prominent activist and lawyer, has garnered public attention for his outspoken criticism of Nigeria’s justice system. Supporters argue that his statements are a reflection of the systemic issues within the judiciary rather than personal attacks. However, Babalola’s petition frames the matter as a direct challenge to the professionalism and ethical standards of the legal community, necessitating decisive action from the LPDC.
The legal community and the public are closely watching this high-profile case, as its outcome could have far-reaching implications for accountability and professional ethics in Nigeria’s legal system. The LPDC’s decision will not only determine Farotimi’s future as a lawyer but also set a precedent for how allegations of misconduct and defamation are handled within the profession.
