Tribunal finds solicitor acted dishonestly and misled the court in multiple matters
A solicitor has been struck off the roll following findings of dishonesty, misleading the court, and issuing unauthorised invoices, after a hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
The case concerned Gboyega Ajibola Okunniga, who faced multiple allegations arising from his work as a consultant solicitor at Clifton Law Limited. The tribunal hearing took place between 3 and 6 February 2026, with judgment issued on 12 March 2026.
The tribunal found that Mr. Okunniga had misled the court during proceedings between September 2020 and June 2022 by presenting false information about a purported business merger. This explanation had been used to justify why client payments were made into his personal bank account rather than to the firm. The tribunal concluded that no such merger existed and that the account provided to the court was misleading.
In addition, the tribunal found that Mr. Okunniga issued invoices to clients for fees that were not authorised by the firm and, in some cases, were not owed. These invoices were pursued for payment despite a lack of approval and supporting documentation. The tribunal determined that this conduct amounted to dishonesty and breached professional obligations.
A further allegation related to misleading correspondence sent to third parties. The tribunal found that Mr. Okunniga had sent letters on the firm’s letterhead in January 2019, falsely presenting himself as “Head of International Trade and Arbitration” and implying that the firm was instructed in matters outside its authorised areas of practice. This was found to be misleading and unauthorised.
A fourth allegation, concerning whether Mr. Okunniga misled the court about property ownership during enforcement proceedings, was not proved.
The tribunal emphasised that misleading the court is among the most serious forms of professional misconduct. It found that Mr. Okunniga had acted dishonestly over a sustained period and that his actions were undertaken for personal benefit. The conduct was assessed as having caused harm to the firm, its clients and the reputation of the profession.
In determining the sanction, the tribunal concluded that there were no exceptional circumstances that would justify a lesser penalty. It noted that dishonesty of this nature typically requires removal from the profession in order to maintain public confidence.
Mr. Okunniga was therefore struck off the roll of solicitors. He was also ordered to pay costs of £10,000, reduced from a higher amount to reflect his financial circumstances.
The decision reinforces the tribunal’s position on the seriousness of dishonest conduct and the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in legal practice.