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LAWYERS’ DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REJECTS AFE BABALOLA’S REQUEST TO DEBAR DELE FAROTIMI
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a request by Chief Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the law practicing license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, popularly known as Dele Farotimi, over allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
The petition, submitted by Ola Faro, a lawyer with Emmanuel Chambers, accused Farotimi of making defamatory statements about the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Criminal Justice System.
In its findings, the LPDC concluded that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author rather than in his role as a legal practitioner. Consequently, the committee ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter and advised aggrieved parties to pursue their grievances in regular courts.
LPDC Chairman, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, stated, “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.”
Farotimi’s book reportedly referenced suit number SC/146/2006, involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye and others, alleging corruption, bribery, and unethical practices within the judiciary and the legal community. Emmanuel Chambers claimed the book distorted case facts, disrespected fellow lawyers, and obstructed justice for personal gain.
The Chambers also cited violations of multiple sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that Farotimi’s name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. However, the LPDC’s jurisdictional limitations ultimately prevented the petition from succeeding.
