CITIZENS COMPASS–A Lagos-based human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, seems to have defeated the legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected a petition filed by the law firm of the Chief, Emmanuel Chambers, seeking the revocation of Dele Farotimi’s law license.
The petition, submitted by Mr. Ola Faro of Emmanuel Chambers, accused Farotimi of criminal defamation and professional misconduct due to statements made in his book, ‘Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System’.
The book, which discusses corruption, bribery, and unethical practices in Nigeria’s legal system, particularly mentions a Supreme Court case involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye. The petition alleged that Farotimi distorted facts, disrespected legal professionals, and interfered with justice for personal gain.
Emmanuel Chambers argued that Farotimi’s actions violated the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, urging the committee to remove his name from the Roll of Legal Practitioners. However, the LPDC ruled that the allegations were related to Farotimi’s work as an author, not his role as a practicing lawyer.
The committee stated that it did not have jurisdiction over matters related to published works and recommended that those who were dissatisfied with the publication seek legal action in the regular courts.
LPDC Chairman, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, confirmed that the petition was dismissed due to jurisdictional constraints, affirming that the case could not be pursued in the committee.
