Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, has raised alarm over the growing influence of criminals and street touts in Nigerian politics, warning that the development poses a grave threat to the country’s economic and social well-being.
Falana made the statement while speaking as a panelist at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the theme: “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development.”
According to him, the current political class lacks the vision and commitment of past leaders like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who championed intellectualism and selfless service. “Today, politics is in the hands of criminals and touts who care little about the nation’s prosperity or the welfare of its people,” he said.
He criticized the prevailing state of governance across the South-West, describing it as marked by infrastructural decay, mismanagement of resources, and increasing poverty. Falana particularly faulted the Oyo State government’s plan to spend N63 billion on renovating the Government House, calling it “reckless spending” that undermines more pressing development needs.
Citing Lagos State as another example, Falana noted that the House of Assembly had already spent N45 billion on utility vehicles in the last four years and was reportedly preparing to spend an additional N20 billion. “Meanwhile, people in places like Ikorodu are submerged in floods with no government response,” he said.
The legal icon expressed concern over the rising number of out-of-school children and the poor performance of South-West states in WAEC rankings. “Ekiti ranked 28th two years ago. Osun and Oyo have also fallen behind. Our children now attend ‘miracle centres’ instead of proper schools,” he lamented.
Falana also decried the menace of touts across the region, noting that “area boys” have now spread from Lagos to rural areas in Ekiti, Ogun, and beyond. He warned that insecurity, land-grabbing, and extortion by thugs were making peaceful living difficult for many residents.
He urged lawyers and civil society to take an active role in holding public officials accountable. Referring to the 2025 national budget, Falana revealed that lawmakers had inserted over 11,000 constituency projects worth N6.9 trillion, many of which remain untraceable. “As lawyers, you must demand answers and go to court if necessary,” he charged.
