In a significant development, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has taken action to strike out the name of Adekunbi Ogunde from the list of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Akorede Lawal, spokesperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), confirmed that the decision was made by the LPDC on Thursday.
Lawal emphasized that this sanction is subject to the right of appeal of the counsel to the supreme court, underscoring the seriousness of the disciplinary action.
Ogunde, a former partner at the law firm of Wole Olanipekun and immediate former chairman of the Body of Benchers, faced repercussions for professional misconduct. In June 2022, she admitted to soliciting a brief from SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd via email, despite knowing that the matter was already being handled by the law firm of Henry Ajumogobia, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Despite Olanipekun’s apology to Ajumogobia, stating that he never sanctioned Ogunde’s actions, the LPDC proceeded with its decision.
The Nigerian Bar Association had petitioned the LPDC in July 20, alleging professional misconduct against Ogunde. They also raised concerns about the liability of the partners of Wole Olanipekun & Co in the matter.
Ogunde, acknowledging the psychological impact of the issue in August 2022, announced her decision to take a leave of absence from legal practice and engage in community and social work pro bono.
This development underscores the commitment of legal authorities to uphold professional standards and ethics within the legal profession in Nigeria.
