Known for his broad smile and revered for his strong defence of human right and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana is an astute and well known Senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). With little known about his background, he was brought up by a parent that had high regards for education. Born on the 20th May, 1958 in Ilawe, a local government in Ekiti state, Nigeria, he started his basic education early at age five. In 1963, he began his primary education at St. Michael primary school, Ilawe, ekiti, and by 1968, he was done. He then proceeded to sacred Heart catholic seminary in 1971 for his secondary education which he then completed in 1975. With a burning desire to further his education, he gained admission into the University of Ife (now known as Obafemi Awolowo University) where he studied Law between 1977 and 1981.
Upon graduating from the University of Ife and completion of his mandatory law school, he started his law career under the firm of Alao Aka-Bashorun & CO where he gained experience and exposure between 1983 and 1991. With a burning desire to succeed, in 1991, he began his own law chambers which he named after himself before later changing it to Falana and Falana chambers after he got married. From his days as an undergraduate, he was well known as a vocal activist who never shy away from rebuking the activities of the military rulers. While undergoing the one-year mandatory National youth service, he took the case of seven university of Ibadan students who were arrested and remanded in prison for protesting against the institution.
As a punishment for successfully securing their freedom, he was denied his NYSC discharge certificate which he believed was politically motivated. In July 2001, he proceeded to petition the human right panel which was set up by President Olusegun Obasanjo, led by Justice Oputa, over his withheld NYSC certificate. As expected, NYSC board denied intentionally withholding Mr Falana’s certificate and claimed that, he (Femi Falana) requested of the commission to withhold his certificate. After listening to his petition, Mr Femi Falana’s certificate was released to him on live television, 18 years after he completed his service.
Revered for his shrewd dispositions and successes in defense of human right and reformative activism, Mr Femi Falana faced countless threat to life as well as constant arrest by the military government on charges of treason. In accordance with the provisions of the legal practitioner’s act of 2004, in 2012, Mr Femi Falana, along with 24 others were elevated and incorporated into the highest and elite position as they became Senior advocate of Nigeria. Aside from being a lawyer and an activist, Mr Falana also delved into politics and contested for the 2007 Ekiti state governorship poll, under the umbrella of the National Conscience Party. Although he lost the election, his sagacity and intellectual prowess stood him out as he was elected as his party’s National Chairman in 2011.
As a man of timber and caliber, full of wits, wisdom and track records of excellence, Mr Falana is a member of multiple professional bodies which include but not limited to Nigeria Bar Association, International Bar Association, Pan African Lawyers Union amongst many more. His works which has transcend the shores of the country has led to him be recognized and given numerous awards, both local and international. Some of these awards include DR Kwame Nkrumah leadership award in 2003, Bernard Simon Memorial award for the advancement of human rights in 2003 to list a few.
Married to a woman who is also particular about human right and went back to school to study law even as a wife and mother, Mr Femi Falana cannot wish for any other woman by his side. With three children who all studied law, the Falana family can be said to be that of the Law. When one of his sons decided to go into music, Mr Falana supported him although his wife had a difficult time accepting his decision but had to allow Folarin (a.k.a falz the bad guy) to do that which he desired. To defend his decision and show of support, he references Fela Anipulapo kuti who also went against his family’s choice of career and became a legendary musician. Mr Femi Falana is a symbol excellence and of course our December 2019 Personality of The Month.
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