Date
3 July 2026
Decision:
Indefinite Exclusion
Details of conduct / charges
Charge 1
Contrary to: Principle 1, Outcome 1.2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct, Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to uphold the rule of law and the impartial administration of justice and knowingly or recklessly allowed the court to be misled.
Particulars
While acting for the defendants in litigation proceedings, Adekanmi Awotidebe backdated documents to 16 November 2020 and signed a statement of truth in a misleading manner to create the impression that the defence and an associated application had been completed, served and filed at an earlier date than it actually was and before the deadline set by a prior court order.
Charge 2
Contrary to: Principle 2, Outcome 2.2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct, Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct and justify public trust in him, his profession, and the provision of legal services by engaging in conduct which could undermine or affect adversely the confidence and trust placed in him and his profession by his client, his employer, professional colleagues, the public and others.
Particulars
Adekanmi Awotidebe engaged in conduct, which received judicial criticism and led to a published decision by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on 14 July 2023 to prohibit him from being involved in a legal practice in the ways set out in section 43(2) of the Solicitors Act 1974 without the SRA’s consent.
Charge 3
Contrary to: Principle 3, Outcomes 3.1 and 3.2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to behave with honesty and integrity and be honest in all his dealings and intentionally misled those he dealt with.
Particulars
Whilst acting for the defendants in litigation proceedings, Adekanmi Awotidebe falsely backdated a defence, notice of application, his witness statement, and a covering letter to the court to 16 November 2020. Adekanmi Awotidebe sent these documents to the court and the claimant’s solicitors with the knowledge that he had not signed and dated them on 16 November 2020.
Charge 4
Contrary to: Principle 4, Outcome 4.1 and 4.2 of the CILEx Code of Conduct Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to comply with his legal and regulatory obligations and deal with his regulator openly, promptly and co-operatively.
Particulars
Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to comply with his duty under Rules 11(1)(g) and 12 of the CILEx Regulation Enforcement Rules to declare as prior conduct, at the earliest opportunity, that he was the subject of an investigation and proceedings by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Adekanmi Awotidebe failed to declare as prior conduct, at the earliest opportunity, that the Solicitors Regulation Authority reached a decision to impose an order pursuant to section 43(2) of the Solicitors Act 1974.
Outcome
The Disciplinary Tribunal found the above four charges proven on the balance of probabilities.
Sanction – Indefinite Exclusion
In accordance with Rule 30(5)(a)(iv) of the CILEx Regulation Enforcement Rules, the Disciplinary Tribunal ordered that Adekanmi Awotidebe be excluded from membership of CILEX for an indefinite period, with a direction that no application for re‑admission shall be considered for a minimum of ten years from the date of the Tribunal’s decision.
Right of appeal
In accordance with Rule 34(3) of the CILEx Regulation Enforcement Rules, Adekanmi Awotidebe has 42 days from the date of the Tribunal’s decision to request an appeal.
