The Nigerian Bar Association is seeking the disbarment of a young lawyer for her social media actions
A photo of Ms. Ifunanya Delilah Excel Grant, the "Baddest Lawyer" posted on the microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter.X/Twitter
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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has submitted a formal petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) concerning the actions of a lawyer and social media influencer, Ms. Ifunanya Delilah Excel Grant, who has garnered attention on social media under the moniker “Baddest Lawyer.” Despite being admitted to the Bar in 2021, her online conduct has raised concerns within the legal community, prompting the NBA to call for her disbarment on the grounds that her behavior is deemed unbecoming of a practicing lawyer.
The petition filed by the NBA highlights the profound impact of Ms. Grant’s activities on social media, which have drawn attention for their controversial and unconventional nature. The legal fraternity, known for its adherence to professional ethics and decorum, views her actions as potentially damaging to the reputation and integrity of the legal profession.
The crux of the NBA’s concern revolves around Ms. Grant’s behavior, which is perceived as inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of legal practitioners. The call for her disbarment reflects the seriousness with which the legal community views the maintenance of professionalism both in and out of the courtroom. The very essence of the legal profession hinges on upholding a high level of integrity, credibility, and respect, and any deviation from these principles can have far-reaching consequences according.
This case underscores the increasing role that social media platforms play in shaping individuals’ public personas, including legal professionals. The intersection of personal expression, freedom of speech, and professional responsibility is a complex one, with implications that extend beyond individual actions to the broader reputation of the legal field.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that legal practitioners must strike between personal expression and professional conduct. The outcome of the disciplinary process will not only affect Ms. Grant’s standing within the legal community but also contribute to the ongoing conversation about the evolving role of social media in shaping public perceptions of professionals across various fields.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stepped forward to address what it views as concerning behavior within its legal community. Ms. Ifunanya Delilah Excel Grant, also known as the “Baddest Lawyer,” has drawn the NBA’s attention due to her conduct on social media. Despite her recent call to the Bar in 2021, the association has taken the extraordinary step of submitting a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) requesting her disbarment, citing conduct deemed unfitting for a legal professional.
The NBA’s statement underlines the broader concerns they harbor about the conduct of some members of the legal profession. As part of its proactive stance, the association has submitted another petition to the LPDC, this time directed at Mr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His alleged involvement in prematurely declaring the result of the 2023 supplementary gubernatorial election in Adamawa State before votes were fully counted has triggered the NBA’s response.
Comparisons can be drawn between the actions of the Nigerian Bar Association and those of Ghana’s General Legal Council. Ama Governor’s case comes to mind as she was denied entry into Ghana’s Bar in November 2022 due to concerns over her social media conduct. These cases reflect the profession’s growing recognition of the impact of digital behavior on the reputation of legal practitioners.
While the allegations against Ms. Ifunanya and Mr. Yunusa-Ari are under investigation and no professional misconduct has been established as of now, the NBA’s move emphasizes the necessity for legal professionals to uphold high standards of conduct both in-person and online. The NBA President’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the profession is palpable, as the association vows to root out any actions that tarnish the reputation of the legal community.