Abeokuta | TEC News | 7th August 2025
Falana Decries Criminal Takeover of Nigerian Politics
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has expressed deep concern on Thursday in Ogun State over the current state of politics in Nigeria, alleging that it is now dominated by criminals and touts with no genuine interest in the nation’s growth or citizens’ welfare.
Speaking as a panelist at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua held in Abeokuta, Falana blamed worsening governance and infrastructural decay in the Southwest on this dangerous shift in political leadership.
The conference, themed “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development”, brought together key legal minds and stakeholders across the region. Drawing a sharp contrast with the political legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Falana remarked:
“During Awolowo’s era, politics was driven by intellectuals. Today, it’s in the hands of criminals and touts. These people are not interested in the country’s economic progress or the well-being of our people.”
He further criticized some state governors in the Southwest for failing to address poverty meaningfully, pointing to instances of what he termed “reckless spending.” Examples he cited include a government house renovation worth N63 billion and the proposed purchase of luxury jeeps for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Falana also raised alarm over the growing influence of street gangs, popularly known as area boys, and the deteriorating standard of education across the region.
In a powerful charge to the legal profession, Falana urged lawyers to hold political leaders accountable. He revealed that the 2025 national budget contains over 11,000 constituency projects valued at N6.9 trillion, inserted by lawmakers.
“We must find out where these projects are located,” he said. “If proper explanations are not given, we should take legal steps to challenge them.”
His remarks served as a rallying cry to lawyers and citizens alike, urging a reclaiming of Nigeria’s political space from self-serving elements. Falana emphasized the pressing need to restore the ideals of accountability, justice, and good governance—especially in a region historically known for its intellectual and progressive politics.
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