The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ibadan Branch has expressed its readiness to begin investigation of the alleged sexual harassment and exploitation leveled against the principal partner of Harlem Solicitors, Babatunde Lawal.
A statement signed the Branch Secretary Olakunle Akintola ,Esq. reads:
The attention of the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch has been drawn to the news of alleged sexual-harassment and exploitation of young lawyers by the Principal Partner of Harlem Solicitors.
The Executive Committee therefore deems it necessary to verify the facts and take necessary steps in line with the provision of Section 9 (6) of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches, 2015 (As Amended). The Executive Committee calls on the young lawyers who are the victims/complainants in the allegations against Mr. Babatunde Lawal to submit their formal complaints against Mr. Babatunde Lawal to the Secretary of the Branch or via nigerianbarassociationibadan@gmail.com on or before 4pm on Thursday, 17th August, 2023 to allow the Executive Committee to act in line with the provision of Section 9 (6) of the NBA Bye Laws for Branches and refer the allegations to the Branch’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
These steps will ensure fair hearing and give opportunity to Mr. Babatunde Lawal to defend the allegations.
Thank you.”