Falana: Criminals, Touts Now Control Nigerian Politics Amid Worsening Governance
Abeokuta, Ogun State August 6, 2025
Prominent human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has decried the state of governance in Nigeria, lamenting that politics has been overtaken by criminals and touts who have no interest in the nation’s development or the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking in Abeokuta at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua, themed “Regional Justice, Security, and Sustainable Development,” Falana criticized the current political leadership, especially in the South-West, for prioritizing personal gain over public service.
“During the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, politics was in the hands of intellectuals. Today, it is dominated by criminals and touts who care little about the economic prosperity of the country or its people,” he said.
Falana noted that infrastructural decay, widespread poverty, and poor governance have plagued the South-West despite its past as a hub of progressive leadership. He accused state governors of neglecting their core responsibilities and indulging in reckless spending.
Citing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Falana condemned the planned ₦63 billion rehabilitation of the Government House, labeling it a “misuse of public funds” that could instead be directed toward roads and electricity across the state.
He also criticized the Lagos State House of Assembly for proposing another ₦20 billion on luxury vehicles after spending ₦45 billion in four years, while the people “wallow in poverty.”
“Ikorodu has been submerged for three days. If this were abroad, helicopters would be dropping relief materials. But here? Nothing is being done,” he said.
Falana further lamented the growing influence of area boys and touts in the South-West, linking their spread to systemic poverty and lack of education.
“In Ekiti, the area boys are wilder than those in Lagos. They are everywhere rural and urban. Our children no longer go to school. Miracle centres are replacing classrooms, and WAEC results from states like Ekiti, Oyo, and Osun have plunged to 27th and 28th positions,” he warned.
The senior advocate blamed political leaders for the declining education system and called attention to states’ failure to access Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds.
Falana also criticized the Federal Government’s 2025 budget, revealing that lawmakers inserted 11,000 constituency projects worth ₦6.9 trillion. He charged lawyers to hold politicians accountable, even if it means taking them to court.
“As lawyers, you must go beyond complaints. Ask lawmakers where the projects are. If they fail to give answers, sue them,” he urged.
The conference also featured leading legal figures, including Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, Mrs. Titilayo Akinlawon, SAN, Chief Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, and Mr. Kayode Akinremi, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta branch.
Delivering the keynote address, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, urged legal practitioners in the South-West to uphold the rule of law and champion justice, equity, and good governance.
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