Afe Babalola’s law firm has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for the removal of human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, from the roll of Nigerian legal practitioners. The 90-page petition, dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm, alleges that Farotimi violated several provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

The petition, titled “Petition against Tomilola Titus Farotimi (also known as Dele Farotimi esq),” accuses Farotimi of breaching multiple rules, particularly those that govern the conduct of legal practitioners. These violations are said to have occurred through his allegations of corruption against prominent figures in the Nigerian judiciary, including justices of the Supreme Court and other high-ranking legal professionals, as detailed in his controversial book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

Faro, who is also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, explained that the petition was made both in his personal capacity and on behalf of Afe Babalola & Co. He highlighted Farotimi’s conduct, which, according to the petitioners, undermines the integrity of the legal profession. The allegations include making unfounded accusations of corruption against the judiciary, participating in unlawful actions such as bribing judicial officers, and using unprofessional language to attack the Supreme Court and its justices.

The petition also details how Farotimi allegedly obstructed the administration of justice, caused delays in legal proceedings, and treated fellow lawyers with disrespect. It accuses him of distorting facts, breaching judicial ethics, and making defamatory statements against the judiciary instead of seeking proper channels to address grievances.

The petitioners emphasized that Farotimi’s actions could tarnish the reputation of the entire Nigerian legal system and disrupt the trust in judicial institutions. They argued that his statements could further ignite tensions within the legal profession and society at large.
In response to these allegations, the LPDC, which is the body responsible for investigating lawyer misconduct, is set to review the petition. This committee ensures that legal practitioners adhere to ethical standards and uphold the integrity of the profession.

Meanwhile, Farotimi is facing legal consequences beyond the LPDC petition. The Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti has remanded him in custody until December 20 for a ruling on his bail application. Additionally, both the Federal Capital Territory High Court and an Oyo State High Court have issued orders restraining Farotimi from publishing, distributing, or promoting his book in any form.

The ongoing legal actions and the petition filed by Afe Babalola’s law firm represent a significant moment in the legal and professional accountability of Nigerian lawyers.