The Law Firm of Afe Babalola has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to remove Lagos-based legal practitioner Dele Farotimi from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria. The petition, dated December 6, 2024, accuses Farotimi of allegedly violating specific provisions of professional conduct rules for lawyers.
The petition spans 90 pages and was signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the law firm. Faro, notably, was mentioned in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Sources suggest that the petition stems from controversial statements and writings by Farotimi, which have sparked debates about the professional limits of legal advocacy and commentary in Nigeria.
In the past week, this case has stirred significant controversy within Nigeria’s legal and civic circles. On December 7, Farotimi responded publicly to the petition in a press statement, describing the accusations as an attempt to stifle his freedom of expression. He stated that his comments and book reflect critical analyses of systemic issues in Nigeria’s judiciary and are not in breach of any professional code.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reportedly expressed interest in the case, with its spokesperson calling for a fair and transparent review of the allegations. Public reactions have been mixed, with some supporting the petition as a necessary step to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, while others see it as an attack on a vocal advocate of systemic reform.
As the LPDC reviews the petition, all eyes remain on the legal profession’s governing bodies and their commitment to balancing professional integrity with freedom of expression.