Speaking at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Falana strongly criticised the state of governance in the Southwest, describing it as a tragic departure from the legacy of visionary leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The conference, themed “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development”, featured legal heavyweights including Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, Mrs. Titilayo Akinlawon, SAN, Chief Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, and Mr. Kayode Akinremi, Chairman of the NBA, Abeokuta Branch.
“During the days of Awolowo, politics was the preserve of intellectuals. Today, it’s dominated by criminals and touts who show little concern for the prosperity of our nation or the well-being of our people,” Falana said.
Southwest Governors Under Fire
Falana took a swipe at several governors in the region, accusing them of reckless mismanagement of public funds, especially in the face of rising poverty and infrastructural neglect.
He particularly faulted Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for budgeting ₦63 billion to renovate the Government House, questioning the rationale when many roads in the state are in disrepair and electricity remains poor.
“That amount can provide quality roads and power to several communities. It is shameful,” he asserted.
Lagos Lawmakers and the Jeep Budget
He also criticised the Lagos State House ofAssembly’s plan to spend an additional ₦20 billion on new utility vehicles, after spending ₦45 billion in the previous term, while flooding continues to devastate areas like Ikorodu.
“If it were abroad, helicopters would be delivering aid to flood victims. But here, we leave our people to suffer,” he lamented.
Touts, ‘Area Boys’ and Education Collapse
Raising concerns over growing insecurity and decay of public education, Falana said the region has become overrun by touts, especially in Ekiti and rural areas, with landowners now facing extortion at every stage of construction.
“Our children are dropping out of school. WAEC results have exposed the rot—Ekiti came 28th two years ago, while Oyo and Osun followed closely behind. Our schools are dying,” he warned.
Falana also decried the rise of “miracle centres” and blamed rising poverty for why only the children of the elite are able to access quality education.
Falana Urges Legal Activism
Calling on lawyers to rise beyond passive commentary, Falana charged them to hold political leaders accountable and take erring lawmakers to court over mismanaged funds and ghost projects.
“The 2025 budget contains 11,000 constituency projects worth ₦6.9 trillion. Where are they? We must demand answers and use the courts to get justice,” he said.
Upholding Justice and Equity
In his keynote address, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, urged lawyers across the region to be beacons of justice, fairness and the rule of law, stressing their critical role in reversing democratic decline.
