Femi Falana Biography: Life, Career, Achievements & Activism

Aremu UmorDecember 20, 2024

0 5 minutes read

What do we know about Femi Falana, the prominent Nigerian lawyer and activist dedicated to social justice and human rights? Femi Falana’s journey is of resilience, intellectual prowess, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. His career spans decades of legal expertise, activism, and bold public service, making him a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. Femi Falana biography delves into his early life, educational background, career milestones, personal life, and lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Photo credit: Dailytrust.com

Femi Falana Biography

Femi Falana, born May 20, 1958, in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, activist, and human rights advocate. Although born in Ibadan, Falana hails from Ekiti State, a region known for its intellectual heritage. Raised in a modest family, his early years shaped his perspective on justice, leading him to pursue a career where he would become a defender of the oppressed and a relentless fighter for social equity.

Falana completed his education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree 1980. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, a significant milestone in his journey. Over the years, his legal career evolved from a passionate advocate to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a prestigious title he was conferred in 2012. This title is the equivalent of the rank of Queen’s Counsel (QC) in many Commonwealth nations.

Femi Falana’s Educational Background

Femi Falana’s education laid the foundation for his impressive legal career. He attended St. Michael’s School for his primary education before moving on to Sacred Heart Catholic Seminary in 1971, where he completed his secondary education in 1975. His pursuit of law took him to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained his LL.B. in 1980. He was called to the Nigerian Bar the following year, marking the official start of his career in law.

Falana’s commitment to intellectual development and advocacy continued beyond his formal education. His elevation to the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2012 is a testament to his decades of dedication and success in the legal profession.

Femi Falana’s Early Career

Femi Falana’s early career as a lawyer was marked by his deep commitment to human rights and involvement in Nigeria’s political landscape. After being called to the Bar in 1982, he began practicing law and gained widespread recognition for his fierce defense of civil liberties and his work on high-profile legal cases.

In 2007, Falana ventured into politics by contesting for the governorship of Ekiti State under the National Conscience Party (NCP). Though he did not win the election, his involvement with the NCP continued, and he served as the party’s National Chairman in 2011.

Throughout his legal career, Falana has held numerous influential positions. He has been a 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. Between 1990 and 1995, he served as the legal adviser for the Campaign for Democracy. His leadership roles also extended to the African Bar Association, where he served as Secretary-General from 2000 to 2004 and was President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights from 1997 to 2000.

Falana is also a key figure in Nigeria’s legal media, serving as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Weekly Report. His work extends to education, as he has been a Council of Legal Education member.

Femi Falana’s Personal Life

Femi Falana is married to Funmi Falana (née Aguda), a distinguished lawyer, pastor at the Foursquare Gospel Church, and activist. She shares his commitment to social justice, particularly in defending women’s and children’s rights through her NGO. Together, they have three children who are all successful in their respective fields.

Their son, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, has made a name for himself as a Nigerian rapper, singer, comedian, and actor. Like his father, Falz is known for his social advocacy, often using his platform to speak out on issues affecting Nigeria. Their daughter, Folakemi Falana (Flakes), is a consultant focused on contracts, commercial law, and entertainment law. The family also includes Foladele Falana-Ngadi, a TV producer with extensive experience managing editorial, resource planning, and production.

Major Legal Cases

Femi Falana’s legal career has been defined by his involvement in numerous high-profile cases, many of which have had significant social and political implications. Notably, he represented the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose tragic execution by the Nigerian government in 1995 made headlines worldwide. Falana also defended journalists and activists who were persecuted for speaking out against the government, solidifying his reputation as a fearless advocate for free speech and human rights.

His legal battles often focused on holding the Nigerian government and powerful corporate entities accountable for abuses of power. His commitment to social justice has earned him the respect of his colleagues, activists, and ordinary citizens.

Awards and Recognitions

Femi Falana’s remarkable contributions to law and human rights have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, acknowledging his tireless work promoting social justice and legal reforms.

Among his many honors, he was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) under the theme “Celebrating Challengers and Builders,” which celebrated his contributions to inspiring the younger generation. In 2022, BudgIT, a civic tech organization, awarded him the Civic Activism Award. The International Bar Association recognized his work in human rights advocacy by presenting him with the prestigious Bernard Simons Memorial Award in 2008. He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Human and Civil Rights from the LXG Awards, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) honored him with the Human Rights Defender Award.

Publications

Femi Falana has contributed significantly to legal literature, and one of his notable works is “Governance in Post Military Nigeria: Fundamental Rights Enforcement,” published by Legaltext Publishing Company in 2005. His writings reflect his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political and legal landscape and offer insights into the complexities of governance and human rights in post-military Nigeria.

Femi Falana’s Social Media

Femi Falana maintains an active presence on social media, sharing his thoughts on current affairs, legal matters, and social justice issues. You can follow him on Twitter:

Twitter: @FemiFalana

Profile Summary of Femi Falana

Full Name: Femi Falana SAN
Date of Birth: May 20, 1958
Place of Birth: Ibadan, Nigeria
State of Origin: Ekiti State, Nigeria
Education: LL.B from Obafemi Awolowo University (1981)
Bar Admission: Called to the Nigerian Bar (1982)
Current Position: Principal Partner at Falana and Falana Chambers
Spouse: Funmi Falana (née Aguda)
Children: Falz (Folarin Falana), Folakemi Falana, and Foladele Falana-Ngadi
Publications: “Governance in Post Military Nigeria: Fundamental Rights Enforcement” (2005)
Social Media: Twitter: @FemiFalana

Conclusion

Femi Falana’s life is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have on society. Through his legal expertise, tireless activism, and leadership roles, he has become a beacon of justice and human rights in Nigeria. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians who strive for a more equitable and just society. Femi Falana’s biography is not just a recount of his life but an enduring reminder of the power of the law in shaping a nation’s future. His activism, legal brilliance, and unwavering pursuit of justice make him a defining figure in Nigeria’s history.