Social Media Influencer’s Ad Exposes Ademola Olabiyi Esq To Risk Of Violating RPC’s Ban On Marketing/Solicitation

A recent Instagram post by user ADAMS KEHINDE, also known as legemiamii, has ignited a heated debate within the Nigerian legal community. The post in question advertised the services of lawyer Ademola Olabiyi Esq. and showcased the interior of his law firm, raising concerns about the ethics of legal advertising in Nigeria.

In the video, which was spoken in Yoruba, ADAMS KEHINDE can be heard saying, “If you tell me you have a lawyer, I’ll say you don’t have a lawyer. Can you see him? This is my own lawyer. If you’re born well, come and challenge me. If you know you don’t have a lawyer, I’ll give you my own lawyer, but he’s very expensive!”

The post also featured the law firm’s library, conference room, and the lawyer’s office, with KEHINDE stating, “If you’re a lawyer and you don’t have a chamber, we’ll give you a chamber. Come and join us.”

Further in the video, KEHINDE claimed that they had just won a case and encouraged viewers to call a provided phone number if they needed a lawyer, emphasizing that “money on ground, back on ground is the deal.” The lawyer in the video was introduced as a friend of Seyi Tinubu, the son of the current Nigerian President.

However, the advertisement has sparked controversy, as Rule 39 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), 2007 prohibits lawyers from soliciting professional employment through circulars, advertisements, or furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments.

The legal community remains divided on the issue. Some argue that since the lawyer himself did not advertise his firm, and it was his friend who posted the video, there was no direct violation of the RPC. Others contend that the lawyer should have advised his friend not to upload the content online, and the fact that the lawyer’s contact information was provided in the post further complicates the matter.

 

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A post shared by ADAMS KEHINDE (@legemiamii)

As the debate continues, the Nigerian Bar Association expected to address the controversy and provide clarity on the acceptable forms of advertising for lawyers and law firms in Nigeria.

This incident has reignited discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement of advertising regulations within the legal profession.

The lawyer’s contact information, including his phone number (+2348136975738) and office address (No. 4 Lanre Awolokun Street, Gbagada Phase 2, by Charley Boy, Lagos State), has been widely circulated online, further fueling the debate surrounding the ethics of legal advertising in the digital age.