A group of lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers Network Against Corruption (LAWNAC) has called on Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN to quit his position as the Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
The Group referred to the recent petition filed by the NBA to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) seeking the sanction of a partner in the law firm of Olanipekun & Co, over allegations of professional misconduct.
Following a viral email correspondence wherein Ms Ogunde was said to have allegedly solicited for a retainer on behalf of the Firm her firm in gross violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, the NBA filed a petition against Ms. Ogunde.
The Petition also seeks a determination of the liability of other Partners in the Firm for sanction. The Disciplinary Committee operates under the direction and supervision of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
In a statement dated 25th July, 2022, issued by Aondona Tyolmun, the Network stated that “LAWNAC recognizes that as custodians of the highest distinction and guardians of the nobility in the Legal Profession, the leadership of the Body of Benchers must be seen to be above reproach.
The Body of Benchers is saddled with the responsibility of determining who is fit and proper to be called to the Bar. If charity begins at home, it is imperative that Chief Olanipekun SAN, step aside to allow due process take its course especially considering Ms. Ogunde’s allusions to influence peddling within the judiciary. Stepping is not only honorable, it will imbue trust and confidence in the system.”
The Anticorruption Network cautioned commentators to avoid obfuscating the issues by resorting to base tribal sentiments and ethnic jingoism, noting that the whole world is watching and taking note.
