LPDC Rejects Afe Babalola’s Bid To Revoke Dele Farotimi’s License Over Defamation Allegations

Abuja, Nigeria- The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a petition by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afe Babalola, seeking the revocation of Dele Farotimi’s law practicing license.

Farotimi, a renowned human rights activist, lawyer, and author, faced allegations of defamation and professional misconduct in connection with his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

In the petition, submitted by Ola Faro, a lawyer from Babalola’s firm, Emmanuel Chambers, Farotimi was accused of making defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the broader legal profession. Despite the claims, the LPDC ruled against Babalola’s request, allowing Farotimi to retain his legal credentials.

Farotimi was said to have referenced suit number SC/146/2006 between Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye and others, claiming corruption, bribery, and other unethical practices involving judicial officers and the legal community.

Emmanuel Chambers accused Farotimi of gross misconduct having allegedly distorted case facts, disrespected fellow lawyers and made unfounded allegations which endanger the Judicial profession.

Specifically, the petition alleged that the lawyer referenced a Supreme Court judgment that affected multiple residential estates and subsequent legal proceedings undermining the apex court’s decision.

Emmanuel Chambers therefore requested that Farotimi be stripped of his licence to practice if found guilty of violating several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.

Delivering its report, marked; B8B/LPDC/1571/2024), the LPDC held that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional.

LPDC Chairman, Justice Isaq Usman Bello said it lacked jurisdiction to hear complaints about publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts.

The LPDC’s report stated: “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practising as a Legal Practitioner.

“All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts,” LPDC said.