A Federal High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, has dismissed a suit filed by Mr. Kanmi Ajibola, seeking permission to continue appearing to defend clients after becoming a lawmaker.
In the suit, numbered FHC/OS/CS/42/2023, Ajibola, who is now a member of the Osun House of Assembly, requested permission to provide pro bono legal services while serving as a lawmaker and public servant.
Justice Ayo-Emmanuel, in his ruling on Thursday, cited the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), stating that public servants are prohibited from engaging in self-serving activities or businesses for personal income.
The judge noted that while Ajibola claimed he would render pro bono services in criminal cases involving the indigent, the law does not permit him to practice law outside his public office.
Ayo-Emmanuel highlighted that Ajibola’s assertion in an affidavit that an opposing counsel threatened to stop him from practicing law after his swearing-in as a lawmaker was inconsequential in light of the constitution.
Although Ajibola appreciated the court’s decision, he expressed his intention to appeal the ruling.
Ajibola, a lawyer, was elected as the lawmaker representing Oriade Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections.
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