The Afe Babalola law firm, based in Ibadan, has confirmed the submission of a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, calling for the removal of Dele Farotimi, a well-known lawyer and human rights advocate, from Nigeria’s roll of legal practitioners.
Henzodaily reports that the petition accuses Farotimi of breaching multiple sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct governing legal practitioners in the country.
An anonymous source within the firm, while speaking to Vanguard, revealed that the move was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system, not just targeting a single individual.
“While I am not officially permitted to comment extensively, this petition is not targeted at one individual alone but is about preserving the integrity of our legal system,” the source explained.
The source further emphasized the critical role of ethical conduct in legal practice, warning that unchecked violations could erode public confidence in the legal profession.
“If we allow such behaviour to go unchecked, it undermines the trust the public places in us as legal practitioners. Upholding the highest ethical standards is not optional; it is a responsibility. The allegations against Farotimi do not only reflect on him but on the entire legal profession. We cannot remain silent while the judiciary’s reputation is jeopardized,” the source added.