Afe Babalola petitions LPDC for Dele Farotimi’s disbarment

Dele Farotimi

A law firm Afe Babalola & Co has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to disbar human rights advocate Dele Farotimi over allegations of unethical conduct. 

In a 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Ola Faro, a partner at the firm, Mr Farotimi is accused of making defamatory statements about the judiciary and the legal profession in his book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

Mr Faro stated in the petition that he wrote it in a personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co.” 

The firm alleges that Farotimi “criminally” defamed Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and other lawyers in the firm. They claim that Farotimi’s book discredited the Nigerian judiciary and tarnished the reputation of judges. Furthermore, the petition accuses Farotimi of harming the firm’s reputation and financial standing through false accusations. 

“The respondent participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer,” the petition reads.

“Joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer.

“Gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer.

“Knowingly made false statements of law and facts in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

“Assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent. Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

“Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill-feeling between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

“Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.

“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court.

“Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.

“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer.”

Farotimi is facing trial in Ekiti for the said allegations against Babalola.