Femi Falana, born on May 20, 1958, is a renowned Nigerian lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who has earned a significant reputation as a human rights advocate. Widely respected for his activism and vocal opposition to military authoritarianism, Femi Falana is also the father of popular Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz.
Early Life and Education
Femi Falana was born in Ilawe-Ekiti, located in Ekiti State, Nigeria. He started his early education at St. Michael’s School, followed by his time at the Sacred Heart Catholic Seminary between 1971 and 1975. His academic journey later led him to study law at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), where he graduated in 1981.
The following year, in 1982, he was called to the Nigerian Bar, officially launching his legal career. Decades later, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, he was appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2012, a title reserved for top legal professionals in the country.
Career and Activism
Femi Falana is not only a prominent lawyer but also a passionate human rights activist. His legal career spans decades, during which he has been a vocal advocate for the disenfranchised and oppressed. Falana has been at the forefront of the fight against various forms of injustice, especially during Nigeria’s military rule, where he fearlessly challenged oppressive regimes.
His unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law has earned him widespread recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.
Femi Falana is the Principal Partner at Falana and Falana Chambers, a law firm that he runs in partnership with his wife, Funmi Falana, who is herself an advocate for women’s rights. Together, they have built a formidable legal practice focused on promoting human rights and providing legal assistance to those in need.
In 2007, Femi Falana entered the political arena by running for the governorship of Ekiti State under the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP). Though he did not win the election, his political involvement continued, and he later served as the National Chairman of the party in 2011.
Beyond his legal practice and political activism, Femi Falana has been actively involved in various professional organizations. He is a prominent member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the West African Bar Association, the Pan African Lawyers Union, and the International Bar Association. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), reflecting his wide-ranging expertise in legal arbitration.
Family Life
Femi Falana’s family is equally notable. His wife, Funmi Falana, is known for her advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. Their son, Folarin Falana (Falz), has gained fame as a Nigerian rapper, singer, and actor, bringing a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary to his craft. Falz’s music and public persona echo the values of activism and justice that his father represents.
Publications and Contributions
Falana is also a prolific writer and thought leader. His writings include numerous publications focused on law, governance, and human rights. Among his well-known works is the book titled “Governance in Post-Military Nigeria: Fundamental Rights Enforcement,” published by Legaltext Publishing Company in 2005. This book examines the challenges and opportunities for human rights enforcement in Nigeria’s nascent democracy following decades of military dictatorship.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, Femi Falana has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, acknowledging his tireless work in defending human rights and promoting social justice. In 2008, he received the prestigious Bernard Simons Memorial Award from the International Bar Association for his outstanding contributions to human rights law. In 2022, he was recognized with the Civic Activism Award by BudgIT, a tech-driven civic organization, for his continued activism.
Falana has also been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Human and Civil Rights from the LXG Awards, and he received the Human Rights Defender Award from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). These accolades are a testament to his enduring legacy as a champion of human rights.