Femi Falana biography, career achievements, advocacy, controversies

In this post, News360 Nigeria chronicles the biography and career achievements of Femi Falana, SAN

Femi Falana, SAN, is a renowned Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He is recognized for his unwavering commitment to advocating for human rights, civil liberties, and social justice throughout his illustrious career.

Profile summary

Name: Femi Falana, SAN

Date of birth: May 20, 1958

State of origin: Ekiti State

Education: Obafemi Awolowo University

Spouse: Funmi Falana

Career: Lawyer

Background

Femi Falana was born on May 20, 1958, in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria.

He began his education at St. Michael’s Primary School in Ilawe-Ekiti, later attending Sacred Heart Catholic Seminary in Ibadan.

He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1981.

Following this, he completed his legal training at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the bar in 1982.

Legal career

Femi Falana made a significant impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape early in his career, starting at the Lagos law firm of Alao Aka-Bashorun & Co.

In 1991, he founded his law practice, Femi Falana & Co. (Falana & Falana Chambers), which is well-known for its focus on high-profile human rights cases and defense of pro-democracy activists.

He has represented various clients in cases related to civil rights, political oppression, and police brutality.

Notably, he defended the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti against numerous instances of government persecution.

Falana has been a staunch opponent of military rule and has played a crucial role in advocating for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

His legal career has been characterized by a relentless dedication to human rights and a strong opposition to authoritarianism.

Falana gained prominence during Nigeria’s military dictatorship, bravely challenging oppressive regimes and representing activists, journalists, and political prisoners. His courageous stance often led to his arrest, yet he remained undeterred in his pursuit of justice.

In 2012, Falana was awarded the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the legal profession.

He currently serves as the Principal Partner at Falana & Falana Chambers, alongside his wife, Funmi Falana, a respected lawyer and women’s rights advocate.

Human rights and activism

Falana is a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s human rights movement, advocating for press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

He has taken on numerous cases defending individuals persecuted by the government and has been an active member of pro-democracy groups, including the National Conscience Party (NCP), founded by his mentor, the late human rights activist Gani Fawehinmi.

Falana’s commitment to social justice is evident through his representation of various individuals and groups in significant human rights cases.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the West African Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Pan African Lawyers Union, and International Bar Association.

As a founding member of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), he has worked tirelessly to enhance governance and accountability in Nigeria. His activism has often put him at odds with military authorities, resulting in multiple detentions during the 1980s and 1990s.

Political engagement

Falana has actively participated in Nigeria’s political sphere, primarily through legal advocacy. While he has not held significant political office, he has been an outspoken critic of corruption, impunity, and poor governance.

In 2007, he ran for the governorship of Ekiti State under the National Conscience Party but was unsuccessful.

International work and advocacy

Beyond national boundaries, Femi Falana has represented Nigeria in international human rights matters, serving as counsel in cases before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice and other international tribunals, where he champions justice and human rights across Africa.

Personal life

Femi Falana is married to Funmi Falana, a prominent women’s rights activist, and they have three children, including their son, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.

Falz is a well-known musician, actor, and comedian who actively advocates for social justice and youth empowerment. The Falana family is celebrated for its deep commitment to social justice and human rights activism.

Publications

A prolific writer, Femi Falana has authored numerous works on law and human rights, including his book Governance in Post-Military Nigeria: Fundamental Rights Enforcement (2005).

Awards

Falana’s tireless dedication to human rights advocacy has garnered him numerous accolades, including;

The International Bar Association’s Bernard Simons Memorial Award* in 2008 for his outstanding work in human rights.

The Civic Activism Award from BudgIT, a civic tech organization, in 2022.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Human and Civil Rights from LXG Awards.

The Human Rights Defender Award from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

He has also been nominated for The Future Awards Africa for his influence in inspiring the younger generations of Nigeria.

Controversies

Throughout his career, Falana has faced numerous controversies, primarily due to his outspoken criticism of government actions and policies.

Over the years, he has frequently clashed with the Nigerian government, particularly during the military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s, leading to multiple detentions.

One of the most recent controversies involved social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and renowned cross-dresser Bobrisky.

In 2024, VeryDarkMan made serious allegations that Bobrisky had bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to evade prosecution for money laundering charges.

Additionally, he claimed that Bobrisky sought assistance from Falana’s son, the popular musician and actor Falz, to obtain a presidential pardon, purportedly offering ₦10 million in exchange.

In response to these allegations, Falana strongly denied any involvement in the matter. He emphasized that he had never met or communicated with Bobrisky.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Femi Falana’s reputation as a staunch defender of human rights endures. His unwavering dedication to fighting for the marginalized and holding those in power accountable continues to inspire many across Nigeria and beyond.

Net worth

Femi Falana’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $3 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful legal career, including high-profile cases and his law firm, along with various investments and contributions to social causes.