The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has declined a request by legal luminary Afe Babalola to debar rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged defamatory remarks. The request, submitted earlier this year, accused Farotimi of making statements that undermined the integrity of Afe Babalola’s firm and its operations.
In its ruling, the LPDC stated that while the remarks in question may have been contentious, they did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action that could result in debarment. The committee emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and robust debate within the legal profession, provided such discourse does not violate ethical standards.
Reacting to the decision, Farotimi described it as a victory for justice and free expression, while Afe Babalola’s firm expressed disappointment, noting that the ruling could set a concerning precedent for professional conduct in the legal field.
