“The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has declined a request from Chief Afe Babalola’s Emmanuel Chambers to revoke the law license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi (Dele Farotimi) over allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
In a petition presented by Emmanuel Chambers’ representative, Mr. Ola Faro, the firm accused Farotimi of making defamatory claims in his book, Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System, targeting the Supreme Court and the legal profession. The Chambers argued that the alleged statements violated the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and sought Farotimi’s disbarment.
The book reportedly discussed corruption and unethical practices within the judiciary, including claims tied to case SC/146/2006 involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye. Emmanuel Chambers alleged that Farotimi distorted case facts, disrespected fellow lawyers, and undermined justice for personal gain.
However, LPDC Chairman Justice Isaq Usman Bello ruled that the petition could not be granted, citing jurisdictional limitations. The LPDC clarified that it does not handle complaints about publications, advising aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts.
The committee’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.”
The case highlights the limitations of professional disciplinary bodies in addressing grievances related to intellectual works.
