The prominent law firm of Afe Babalola & Co. has formally lodged a comprehensive petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), calling for the removal of Nigerian lawyer Dele Farotimi, also known as Tomilola Titus Farotimi, from the roll of legal practitioners.
The petition, which spans 90 pages and was dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro, a senior partner at the firm. In the petition, the law firm alleges that Farotimi has violated multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, particularly those related to maintaining the dignity and integrity of the legal profession, as well as ensuring respect for the judiciary.
The core of the petition stems from statements made by Farotimi in his controversial book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” where he accused several high-ranking members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court justices, judges of the Lagos State High Court, and respected lawyers such as Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and Ola Faro, Esq., of various forms of corruption and misconduct. The petitioners argue that Farotimi’s remarks are not only unsubstantiated but also inflammatory, aimed at discrediting the entire Nigerian judicial system and tarnishing the reputations of individuals who have dedicated their careers to upholding the law.
The law firm’s petition outlines several key allegations, each of which, if proven, could lead to serious professional consequences for Farotimi:
- Conduct Unbecoming of a Legal Practitioner: One of the primary charges against Farotimi is that he made unfounded, false, and defamatory statements about the Nigerian judiciary, particularly the justices of the Supreme Court. The petitioners contend that Farotimi’s statements were not only misleading but also damaging to the image of the judiciary. His choice of language, according to the petition, was unprofessional, disrespectful, and offensive, undermining the dignity of the court and the integrity of its judges.
- Involvement in Unlawful Conduct: The petition further accuses Farotimi of being complicit in unlawful conduct by assisting his clients in committing judicial misconduct. Specifically, he is alleged to have facilitated bribery and the unlawful access of judicial officers, actions that are a clear violation of legal ethics. The petitioners argue that Farotimi knowingly participated in a breach of the law by providing legal services that contributed to a corrupt and unethical scheme involving judicial officers.
- Obstruction of Justice: According to the petition, Farotimi played a role in obstructing and delaying the course of justice by attempting to frustrate a decision already handed down by the Supreme Court. The petition claims that Farotimi’s actions were motivated by personal interests and the interests of his clients, who had lost their case before the Supreme Court. In doing so, Farotimi is accused of directly interfering with the judicial process, which is a serious violation of legal practice.
- Disrespectful Treatment of Fellow Lawyers: Another charge outlined in the petition is that Farotimi’s conduct toward fellow legal practitioners lacked professionalism. The petition claims that Farotimi treated opposing lawyers with disrespect, failing to engage with them in a manner that reflected the standards of the legal profession. Instead of focusing on the legal merits of cases, Farotimi allegedly allowed personal animosities between clients to influence his demeanor and actions, which further undermines the principles of fairness and respect within the legal community.
- Violation of Legal Ethics: Farotimi is accused of acting in a manner that violated the ethical standards of the legal profession. Specifically, he is alleged to have made false and misleading statements in the course of his practice, particularly with regard to a case that had already been decided by the Supreme Court. By distorting the facts and misrepresenting the law, Farotimi is said to have damaged the integrity of the legal system, hindering the fair administration of justice.
- Defamation and Misrepresentation: Perhaps one of the most serious allegations made in the petition is that Farotimi made defamatory statements about judicial officers, choosing to publicly attack them in his book rather than utilizing the proper channels for formal complaints. The petitioners argue that this not only violated the principles of legal ethics but also contributed to a climate of distrust and hostility within the legal profession. Farotimi’s statements were described as unfounded and malicious, designed to defame and disgrace those he accused.
- Improper Conduct in Relation to Pending Cases: The petition also notes that Farotimi allegedly discussed a pending case with a judge who was presiding over the matter, without the presence of an opposing lawyer. This is a serious breach of legal conduct, as it undermines the fairness of the judicial process and compromises the integrity of the legal profession.
The petition concludes by stating that Farotimi’s actions have not only caused harm to the individuals targeted by his accusations but also risk inflaming tensions within the legal community and society at large. The petitioners argue that his conduct has the potential to damage the reputation of the entire judiciary and the legal profession in Nigeria. In light of these serious allegations, the petitioners call for immediate disciplinary action to preserve the dignity and standards of the legal profession, protect the integrity of the judiciary, and prevent further harm to the public perception of the legal system.
Furthermore, the petition highlights the potential for Farotimi’s statements to have a far-reaching impact, suggesting that his actions could inflame division within the legal community and society. The petitioners stress that Farotimi’s conduct not only violated the ethical standards expected of legal practitioners but also placed the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary at risk.
In summary, the petition filed by Afe Babalola & Co. seeks to hold Dele Farotimi accountable for his actions, urging the LPDC to act in a manner that reflects the seriousness of the charges and serves as a deterrent to other legal practitioners who may seek to undermine the integrity of the Nigerian legal system. The petition underscores the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in the legal profession and ensuring that those who engage in unethical behavior are held accountable for their actions.
