Renowned human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, has called on the Federal Government to compensate the families of victims involved in recent stampedes across the country.
Falana made this appeal on Friday in Akure during the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series, a program organized by the Ondo State Government to honor the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The event, which focused on “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example,” was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Falana attributed the tragic stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja—which claimed over 65 lives during palliative collection efforts—to failures in policing. He criticized the Nigerian Police for neglecting their duty to provide adequate security at such gatherings.
“It was not poverty that caused the loss of lives but a failure of security. If there is any gathering or process, the police are mandated to provide security,” Falana asserted.
Falana highlighted Ondo State as a benchmark for security reform through the establishment of the Amotekun Security Network by the late Governor Akeredolu.
He commended Akeredolu’s boldness in challenging the Federal Government by creating a state-backed security outfit, which he likened to state policing.
He also noted that Akeredolu’s legacy lives on through the recent meeting between the 36 state governors and the Federal Government, where state police was approved.
“The greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the Federal Government’s decision to approve state policing, a concept exported from Ondo State’s Amotekun model to the entire country,” Falana said.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended Akeredolu’s vision and leadership, stating that he prioritized the advancement of democracy, rule of law, and the welfare of the people.
Aiyedatiwa affirmed that the state government had chosen to honor Akeredolu’s memory over celebrating its one-year anniversary.
“Akeredolu was a courageous leader who spoke truth to power and implemented transformative initiatives for Ondo State. His leadership was defined by integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the needs of the people,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, praised Aiyedatiwa for preserving Akeredolu’s legacies and commended Falana for his consistent advocacy for the masses.
