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Falana Slams South-West Governors, Criticises Makinde’s N63bn Renovation

Published

10 months ago

August 6, 2025

The popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Wednesday, decried failed governance and sheer infrastructural decay in the South-West saying that the governors has not done enough to tackle the challenge of poverty fail to prioritise selfless service.

Falana regretted that unlike in the days of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when the politics was in the hand of the intellectuals, “politics is now in the hands of criminals and touts who bother less about investing in the economic prosperity of the country and the well-being of the citizens.”

The legal luminary also faulted Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde’s decision to spend N63bn on the rehabilitation of the government house, describing it as unnecessary and reckless spending of public funds that should have been put into better use to uplift infrastructural development in the state.

Falana disclosed this on Wednesday, while making his submission as member of panels during the 2025 National Conference of Egbe Amofin Odua held in Abeokuta with the theme “Regional Justice, Security and Sustainable Development”.

Other members of the panel were Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, Mrs Titilayo Akinlawon, SAN, Chief Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN and Mr Kayode Akinremi, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Abeokuta branch.

The human rights lawyer noted that the South-West region may continue in its journey of retrogression except the the political leaders both at the state and the local government stay honest to the people and make good governance and service to the people their focus.

Falana explained that, “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 jeeps yet the people are wallowing in poverty.

“Ikorodu has been submerged in the last three days, if it were to be abroad, they will be using the helicopter to go and drop food for the victims but what is being done for the people? Nothing.

“Similarly, the governor of Oyo State who comes to work from his house now want to rehabilitate the government house with N63bn, the amount that is enough to provide good roads and electricity for the state.

“The education is in bad shape, there is no South-West states today that is up to date in accessing the UBEC fund. There are 18.3m out of school children including children from the South-West.

“Today, the roads in the Southwest are terrible, infrastructurally we are not there unfortunately when they now want to flag off road that they will not even complete, you will see them making so much noise, doing ceremony, there is need for a rethink.”

The lawyer also lamented that touts have now taken over South-West states due to growing poverty saying that the sad narrative is the Same from Lagos to Ogun, Oyo to Osun and Ondo to Ekiti, warning that there is need for the government to begin to make judicious use of the resources at their disposal to make life more comfortable and rewarding for the populace.

He explained that, “Area boys, touts have taken over the South-West states. The area boys in Ekiti seem to be wild than the ones in Lagos, they are there from Lagos to Abeokuta and everywhere, even in the rural areas.

“Our children are no longer going to school. You can’t buy a piece of land now and enjoy peaceful possession. As you are laying foundation, you will see them, when you want to roof the building, you will see them again Go and look at the results of WAEC now, two years ago, Ekiti came 28, one year Oyo and Oshun came 28 and 27, what is happening to us in the Southwest.

“Our children now run to miracles center, the children are not going to schools again, only children of the privileged few are going to school because of poverty yet the common wealth of our region is being privatized right before our very eyes”

Falana urged lawyers to stand up to making our political leaders accountable to the people even if they will have to drag them before the court of law

He disclosed that “For the 2025 budget, Senators and members of House of Representatives inserted 11000 constituency projects valued at N6.9trn, as lawyers you must do more than sitting and watching, ask these lawmakers where the projects are cited and if they are not giving any satisfactory answers, take them to court”.

Giving his keynote address, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, urged the lawyers to continue to uphold rule of law and advance the course of justice, fairness and equity in the region.

Olujinmi said that the association must constantly in all its engagements and activities draw attention of the governments to the obligation on them to observe the rule of law and the constitution because obeisance to the rule of law is key to regional justice, security and sustainable development.

As way out of the trouble of insecurity in the region, the former Minister hailed the late governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who against all odds and opposition established the Amotekun Corps that has helped to curb the growing insecurity in the Southwest

Olujinmi has therefore identified the need for an effective collaboration among the six Southwestern

States to increase the empowerment and capacity of the Amotekun Corps across the region to further deal decisive blow to those hurting the region’s security architecture

The former Minister added that, “The governments of the region should regularly engage closely with the people to appreciate their specific needs and provide for them instead of embarking on programmes of development that are not of any immediate relevance to the needs of the communities.

“The region is blessed with fertile land and active

human capital which can be harnessed for the development of the region. The governments of the six States need to tackle youth

unemployment with a robust commitment. All these are necessary for sustainable development in the region.”

The President of the association, Mr Isiaka Olagunju SAN, urged the members of the association to help in protecting the heritage which purely belongs to the Yoruba people.

Olagunju said that it is unfortunate and regrettable that some section of the country will be describing Lagos as no man’s land saying that there is need for the members of the association who are only Yoruba to always stand up and be counted to defend wrong narratives and twisting of the cherished Yoruba rich history.

Also speaking at the programme, the leader of Oodua Peoples Congress, Chief Gani Adams explained that only restructuring and practice of true federalism can help to resolve lots of issues especially around insecurity and economic prosperity of not only the Southwest region but the entire country.

The Chairman, Planning Committee of the annual conference, Mr Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN, said that the association will critically examine all that have been discussed at the conference and then set up committee to ensure that the recommendations especially those that bother on insecurity and economic integration are pushed to the government for implementation.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.