By Seyi Odewale
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected a request by Chief Afe Babalola SAN’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the law practicing license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, also known as Dele Farotimi, over allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
Farotimi was brought before the LPDC based on a petition by Ola Faro, a lawyer in Emmanuel Chambers.
The petition alleged that Farotimi, in his book “Nigeria and Criminal Justice System,” made defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.
However, in its report, the LPDC determined that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional.
The LPDC concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints about publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts.
LPDC Chairman Justice Isaq Usman Bello affirmed that the petition could not be granted due to jurisdictional limitations.
The book reportedly 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.
The petition from Emmanuel Chambers accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow lawyers, and engaging in actions that obstructed Justice for personal gain. Specific grievances included references to a Supreme Court judgment that affected multiple residential estates and subsequent legal proceedings undermining the apex court’s decision.
The Chambers claimed that Farotimi’s book violated several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that his name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
The LPDC’s report 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 finally leaves Ekiti prison
Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has regained freedom after meeting his bail conditions.
Politician and activist Omoyele Sowore disclosed the development.
He was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Nigerian advocate and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD.
Farotimi, remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 a.m. on Friday amid heavy security presence.
Posting on X, Sowore said the embattled activist lawyer was no longer at the prison yards in Ekiti State.
He wrote, “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”
A few days ago, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti granted Farotimi N30m bail, two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, the submission of Farotimi’s passport, and a prohibition on Farotimi granting media interviews once released.
Confirming his release, another lawyer and activist, Chii Odinakalu, also wrote on X, “In Ekiti, @DeleFarotimi has perfected bail and regained his freedom. He’ll be on his way back to Lagos. To all the friends of Justice who have been vigilant through this, we say, please remain vigilant. It is not the end nor the beginning of the end. This is an #AttritionMarathon.”
The development comes after former Anambra State governor and politician Peter Obi promised last week to help meet Farotimi’s bail conditions.
Addressing his supporters after his release, Farotimi restated his commitment to truth in his fight for Justice.
His loyalists and supporters have been protesting since his arrest and prosecution, insisting that it is an act of illegality and injustice.
“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know,” he said.
