Gbenga Adedapo Ogunrinde

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that Gbenga Adedapo Ogunrinde had falsely and repeatedly held out Ms Folashade Olowu as a partner in his firm O S Johnson & Co when she was not, including in three RF1 forms, correspondence with the SRA and at a 2006 Tribunal hearing. The Tribunal found all allegations proved, including dishonesty under the Twinsectra test, regarding it as a serious case of dishonesty. Finding no exceptional circumstances per SRA v Sharma, the Tribunal struck the Respondent off the Roll and ordered him to pay costs of £21,256.84. His subsequent appeal was struck out by the High Court for non-compliance with directions.

Duties found breached:

• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Honesty
• No improper communication with the court

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct repeated over a number of years
• Dishonesty toward the regulator, a fellow professional, the public, indemnity insurers and the Tribunal
• Profound repercussions on Ms Olowu, who was suspended without fault and subjected to a costs order
• Previous disciplinary appearance (suspension in 2006)

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent had admitted earlier allegations and not blamed Ms Olowu in previous proceedings
• No client funds involved and no criminal conduct
• Personal hardship - repossession, loss of livelihood, depression, family breakdown
• Unclear what benefit Respondent gained from the arrangement