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Nigerian Human Rights and Senior Advocate (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the condition of poor government and exposure to widespread infrastructure in the southwest region, accusing the Governor of the State of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of citizens.
Speaking on Wednesday during the panel session at the Egbe National Conference Amofin O’Dua 2025 in Abeokuta, the state of Ogun, Falana expressed deep concern over what he described as the neglect of ideals and values of establishment in the region.
The theme of this conference is “regional justice, security and sustainable development,” and Falana spoke with other legal figures including Dr. Wahab Shittu, San; Mrs. Titilayo Akinlawon, San; Head of Olumuyiwa Akinboro, San; and Mr. Kayode Akinremi, Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta Branch.
Falana regretted the current political climate in the region, stating that governance has been followed by people who lack vision and integrity.
“Unlike the era of the late wise, the Head of Obafemi Awolowo, when politics is driven by intelligence and ideology, today politics is in the hands of criminals and brokers,” he said. “These people have no interest in investing in the prosperity of the country’s economy or in the welfare of the people.”
The senior advocate specifically criticized the plan of the Governor of State Oyo Seyi Makinde reported to spend the N63 billion for the rehabilitation of the state government building, describing the step as “unnecessary and careless,” especially considering the rotting infrastructure in the region.
“In the state of Oyo, the governor who has worked from home wants to spend N63 billion to renew government buildings, money that can provide roads, electricity, and basic education,” he said.
Falana also referred to the planned Lagos State House of Assembly which was reported to buy a utility vehicle worth N20 billion, although it had spent N45 billion for similar purchases in the last four years.
“Meanwhile, people are wallowing in poverty, and regions such as icorodu have been drowned by floods for days without emergency assistance,” he added.
According to Falana, public education in the southwest is in a terrible state, with the six states in this region lagging in their access to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds. He noted that the region continued to contribute significantly to the increasing number of children outside of school, which is currently estimated at 18.3 million throughout the country.
“Our children are now looking for a magic center to pass the exam,” he said. “Two years ago, Ekiti was ranked 28th in the WAEC results. Oyo and Osun followed him in the following years. What happened in the southwest?”
Human rights lawyers warn that street gangs and brokers, which are usually referred to as “regional boys,” have now taken over urban and rural areas in all southwest states due to increased poverty and weak government.
“You can no longer buy land and develop it peacefully. From putting the foundation to the roof of the building, you are squeezed,” he said. “Rule of Law has been damaged in many parts of our territory.”
Falana asked legal professionals to go up to the opportunity by asking for public officials’ accountability for the error of resource management and policy failure.
“In the 2025 national budget, parliament members include more than 11,000 electoral projects worth N6.9 trillion,” he said. “As a lawyer, you must demand transparency. Ask where these projects are. If they fail to respond satisfactorily, bring them to court.”
He concluded by urging political leaders in the Southwest to embrace the culture of unconditional service, transparency, and development governance, warning that continuing to ignore these principles will only accelerate the decline of the region.
“The southwest will continue in this regressive channel unless leaders at the state and local level become honest and committed to serving,” said Falana.
