Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a scathing critique of governors in the South West over what he described as widespread governance failure, reckless spending, and infrastructural collapse.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin O’dua in Abeokuta, Falana accused regional leaders of abandoning their core responsibilities in favour of self-enrichment a move he said betrays the legacy of Yoruba nationalist icon, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“We are quick to criticise Abuja, yet right here in the South West, public funds are being looted with impunity,” Falana said.
Themed “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development,” the conference gathered leading legal minds including Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), Mrs. Titilayo Akinlawon (SAN), Chief Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), and Mr. Kayode Akinremi of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta branch.
Billions Wasted While Citizens Suffer
Falana directly criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for approving ₦63 billion for government house rehabilitation while the state’s residents endure bad roads and unstable electricity.
“The governor who commutes from his private home wants to renovate the government house for ₦63bn. That amount can light up and pave roads across Oyo,” Falana said.
He also pointed fingers at the Lagos State House of Assembly, which he said spent ₦45 billion on utility vehicles in four years and plans another ₦20 billion for the same purpose.
“While poverty grows and infrastructure crumbles, SUVs are being bought in convoys,” he lamented.
Education and Youth Neglect
Falana decried the deteriorating standard of education in the South West, revealing that no state in the region has fully accessed the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds, despite rising numbers of out-of-school children.
“We have 18.3 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. The South West is not exempt. Yet, miracle centres are thriving, and only the rich can afford quality education,” he said.
Touts Replacing Law and Order
He warned that “area boys” and land touts now dominate both urban and rural communities, making peaceful property ownership difficult.
“You can’t lay a foundation without them demanding payment. This lawlessness is becoming systemic,” he said.
Falana Urges Legal Action and Accountability
Falana challenged lawyers in the region to stop watching from the sidelines and start holding politicians accountable. He revealed that lawmakers inserted 11,000 constituency projects worth ₦6.9 trillion into the 2025 national budget and questioned their transparency.
“Don’t just sit in court. Ask where the projects are. If the answers don’t come, take them to court,” he charged.
Others Call for Regional Reforms
In his keynote address, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), praised the Amotekun security initiative and called for better inter-state cooperation. He also urged governments to invest in youth empowerment and community-led development.
President of Egbe Amofin O’dua, Mr. Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), emphasized protecting Yoruba identity, warning against narratives claiming Lagos as “no man’s land.”
OPC leader Gani Adams and other speakers at the conference echoed calls for restructuring and true federalism as long-term solutions to insecurity and underdevelopment.
Next Steps
Mr. Olusegun Fabunmi (SAN), chairman of the conference committee, announced that a follow-up group would present key recommendations especially on regional security and economic integration to relevant authorities for implementation.
