LPDC Rejects Afe Babalola’s Request To Stop Dele Farotimi From Practicing Law

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a request from Chief Afe Babalola SAN’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the practicing license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, also known as Dele Farotimi.

The request stemmed from allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.

KanyiDaily recalls that the petition, filed by Ola Faro of Emmanuel Chambers, accused Dele Farotimi of making defamatory remarks about the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book, “Nigeria and Criminal Justice System”.

After reviewing the case, the LPDC concluded that the allegations against Farotimi arose from his work as an author, not as a practicing lawyer.

As a result, the committee declared it had no jurisdiction over matters related to publications and recommended that any grievances be pursued in regular courts.

Justice Isaq Usman Bello, Chairman of the LPDC, confirmed that the committee could not act on the petition due to these jurisdictional constraints.

Farotimi’s book reportedly referenced a Supreme Court case (SC/146/2006) involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu, HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye, and others.

It allegedly accused judicial officers and the legal profession of corruption, bribery, and unethical conduct.

Emmanuel Chambers claimed the book distorted facts, disrespected fellow lawyers, and undermined justice for personal benefit.

Specific complaints included criticism of a Supreme Court ruling affecting residential estates and subsequent legal challenges to the court’s decision.

The Chambers argued that Farotimi’s book violated sections of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners and sought to have his name removed from the Roll of Legal Practitioners.

In its report, the LPDC clarified: “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practicing as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Dele Farotimi was recently granted bail after being arrested for criticizing Afe Babalola in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”, over a long-standing Supreme Court land dispute judgment.