Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised alarm over the alarming deterioration in political leadership across Nigeria, stating that governance has fallen into the hands of “criminals and touts” who have no regard for the country’s future.
Speaking as a panelist at the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua, held in Abeokuta under the theme “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development”, Falana delivered a scathing critique of the current state of affairs, particularly in the South-West region.
“During the days of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, politics was in the hands of the intellectuals, but today, politics is in the hands of criminals and touts who are less concerned about investing in the economic prosperity of the country and the well-being of the citizens,” Falana lamented.
He accused South-West governors of prioritising self-enrichment over public service, pointing to widespread poverty and the visible collapse of critical infrastructure in the region.
Citing specific instances, Falana berated Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for allocating ₦63 billion to refurbish the Government House, calling the move reckless and unjustifiable.
“Similarly, the governor of Oyo State, who comes to work from his house, now wants to rehabilitate government house with N63bn, the amount that is enough to provide good roads and electricity for the state,” he said.
He also condemned the Lagos State House of Assembly for allegedly planning another round of extravagant vehicle procurement.
“We are always quick to shout about the misappropriation and reckless spending of public funds in Abuja, but in Lagos after spending N45bn to procure Jeeps (utility vehicles) in the first four years, the state House of Assembly is planning to spend another N20bn on purchase of another set of jeeps, yet the people are wallowing in poverty,” Falana said.
He warned that unless political leaders at both state and local levels realign their focus to genuine governance and accountability, the South-West would remain stuck in decline.
“Ikorodu has been submerged in the last three days, if it were to be abroad, they will be using helicopter to drop food for the victims, but what is being done for the people? Nothing,” he added.
Falana painted a bleak picture of the educational crisis in the region, citing a rapid decline in learning outcomes and access to quality schooling.
