The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has declined a petition from Emmanuel Chambers, the law firm of Chief Afe Babalola, seeking to revoke the practising license of lawyer and author Tomilola Titus Farotimi, widely known as Dele Farotimi. The petition cited allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
The petition, authored by Ola Faro, a lawyer with Emmanuel Chambers, accused Farotimi of making defamatory statements about the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Criminal Justice System. According to the petition, Farotimi’s book referenced suit number SC/146/2006, involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye, alleging corruption, bribery, and unethical practices within the judiciary and the broader legal community.
The petition further accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow legal practitioners, and obstructing justice for personal gain. Emmanuel Chambers argued that the book violated several sections of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners and requested that Farotimi’s name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
In its report (B8B/LPDC/1571/2024), the LPDC concluded that the alleged misconduct occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author rather than as a practising lawyer. The committee ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints related to publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in the regular courts.
LPDC Chairman, Justice Ishaq Bello, clarified in the ruling: “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.”
Dele Farotimi Release From Detention
Meanwhile, Farotimi regained his freedom after meeting his bail conditions set by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti. The court granted him bail at ₦30 million, with two sureties, one of whom must own property, the submission of his passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews following his release.
Farotimi’s detention followed the petition’s filing and was widely criticized by activists and legal commentators. Politician and activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed Farotimi’s release, writing on X: “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held in the prison facilities of Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”
In a video shared on Sahara Reporters TV after his release, Farotimi expressed his determination to continue his fight against perceived injustices. “It will never be an easy journey when you are fighting evil,” he stated.
The LPDC’s decision underscores the distinction between professional conduct within legal practice and personal activities, such as authorship, affirming that grievances related to publications fall outside its purview.
