Afe Babalola Petitions LPDC, Seeks Dele Farotimi’s Disbarment

The Afe Babalola Law Firm has submitted a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), requesting that Lagos-based lawyer Dele Farotimi be removed from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria. This action is based on alleged violations of specific provisions within the rules governing professional conduct for lawyers.

The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro—a partner in the law firm—who is also referenced in Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

The petition, titled “Petition Against Tomilola Titus Farotimi (also known as Dele Farotimi Esq), a Nigerian Lawyer Admitted to the Bar with His Name Listed on the Supreme Court Roll of Legal Practitioners for Violating Several Rules from 1, 15(1), and Sections Through Rule 31 in the Professional Conduct Regulations of 2023,” accuses him of tarnishing Nigeria’s judiciary reputation. It alleges he made baseless corruption accusations against prominent figures such as justices of the Supreme Court, judges from Lagos State High Court, legal luminaries like Aare Afe Babalola SAN and others linked to his book entitled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’

Ola Faro, writing in his personal capacity and on behalf of the law firm Afe Babalola & Co., provided a background of the case’s facts and outlined how Farotimi violated professional conduct rules.

The petitioners claim that Farotimi “behaved inappropriately as a legal practitioner by making unfounded allegations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.”

The petitioners also claimed that Farotimi was involved in activities he considered illegal, such as bribing judicial officers and gaining unauthorized access to a member of the judiciary.

Participated with his clients in engaging in misconduct and violating the law by unlawfully accessing a judicial officer.

Provided a service to his client, knowing it could potentially lead to a legal violation and the corruption or disrespect of a judicial officer.

Intentionally provided incorrect information regarding the law and details in relation to a case previously decided by the Supreme Court.

Helped his clients engage in activities he knew to be illegal and fraudulent.

“Deliberately involved in unlawful activities during his legal practice.”

He treated his fellow lawyers with a lack of respect, fairness, consideration, and dignity. He allowed the animosity between opposing clients to affect his conduct and demeanor by distorting case facts in the course of practicing law.

Did not uphold good faith and fairness when interacting with other lawyers regarding a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Visits Afe Babalola to Advocate for Embattled Activist Dele Farotimi

Behaved in a way that impeded, postponed, and negatively impacted the administration of justice by attempting to undermine a Supreme Court decision for his own personal gain and for the advantage of his client who was unsuccessful before the Supreme Court.

Used disrespectful, undignified, and offensive language towards the Supreme Court and its justices, failing to treat the court with respect, dignity, and honor.

“Produced slanderous remarks about judicial officials instead of filing a complaint with the proper authorities.”

Stated that he talked about an ongoing case with a judge presiding over it, without the presence of the opposing lawyer.

The petitioners asserted that Farotimi’s violation of these rules led to the filing of this petition in order to safeguard the dignity of both the legal profession and the court, as well as to maintain professional standards.

They also observed that certain statements in Farotimi’s book are likely to ignite controversy within the legal profession and society. These remarks appear intended to undermine the entire Nigerian judiciary, including Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of Lagos State High Court, as well as discredit their law firm, tarnish reputations within the legal community, and harm both reputational standing and financial credibility.

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) serves as the regulatory authority responsible for investigating and addressing misconduct among lawyers in Nigeria.

The LPDC ensures that legal professionals comply with ethical standards and maintain professional conduct.

The organization has the authority to remove a legal practitioner’s name from the roll of lawyers maintained by the Supreme Court. However, this decision can be appealed at the Supreme Court.