A major legal controversy is unfolding as renowned Nigerian lawyer Afe Babalola has called for the disbarment of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights activist, for alleged unethical practices. The demand was made through a petition submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) on December 6, 2024.
The petition, which spans 90 pages, was filed by Ola Faro, a partner at the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co. Faro stated that the petition was written in his personal capacity, but also represented the interests of the firm. The LPDC, an institution created by the Legal Practitioners Act, is tasked with ensuring ethical standards are upheld within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Accusations of Defamation and Misconduct
The petition accuses Farotimi of engaging in conduct unbefitting of a legal practitioner, including making false accusations against the Nigerian judiciary and the legal profession. The complaint stems from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he allegedly defamed Babalola and other legal practitioners by making baseless claims about their integrity.
According to the petition, Farotimi’s actions have caused significant harm to the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary, judges, and Babalola’s law firm. “The respondent participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer,” the document reads.
Babalola and his law firm are particularly disturbed by what they consider defamatory statements made by Farotimi, which they claim have damaged their reputation and financial standing. The petition further alleges that Farotimi knowingly assisted his clients in committing fraudulent and illegal actions.
“The respondent gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer,” the petition states. The firm also accuses Farotimi of making false statements about a case already decided by the Supreme Court and obstructing the administration of justice for personal gain.
Babalola and Farotimi’s Growing Tensions
The feud between Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi has been escalating for some time. Farotimi’s controversial book has become a focal point in the ongoing legal and professional dispute. His criticisms of Nigeria’s judiciary and its high-ranking officials have sparked widespread debate, particularly among legal practitioners who have taken sides in the matter.
The petition claims that Farotimi’s behavior toward his colleagues has been disrespectful and disruptive. It accuses him of allowing personal grievances between opposing clients to influence his legal conduct. “He treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration, and dignity,” the petition reads, pointing to how Farotimi allegedly distorted facts during legal proceedings.
Farotimi’s Legal Troubles Mount
As the drama continues to unfold in the courtroom, Dele Farotimi is also facing criminal charges. On December 3, 2024, Farotimi was arrested by officers of the Ekiti police command for alleged defamation and cyberbullying, linked to his criticism of Babalola. He is currently facing trial in two separate courts on charges related to the defamation of the senior lawyer.
The activist was granted bail on December 8 by the Federal High Court in Ekiti, with a N50 million bail bond and one surety. However, his legal troubles are far from over. On December 10, a magistrate court in Ekiti postponed its ruling on Farotimi’s bail application until December 20. In the meantime, Farotimi remains in the custody of the Ekiti prison.
The charges against Farotimi also include cybercrime offenses, as the Inspector-General of Police filed a 12-count charge against him, further complicating his legal standing. His arrest and subsequent trials have only fueled the animosity between the human rights advocate and the prominent legal figure.
