Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN, CON), has raised alarm over the nature of international agreements often signed by African countries, stating that many of them serve foreign interests rather than those of the continent.
Speaking at the 2025 International Conference on Law and Career (ICOLAC), hosted by the Law Students’ Society of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Falana criticized these arrangements as tools of modern-day imperialism.
Addressing law students and legal professionals at the conference, Falana urged Africa’s legal community to play a more active role in reviewing international treaties.
“African leaders must stop signing agreements that compromise our sovereignty. These deals are simply neocolonial in nature,” he asserted, warning that such actions put future generations at risk.
The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.
In his remarks, Adewusi commended the Law Students’ Society for organizing a forward-thinking conference and described it as a reflection of leadership and innovation among the youth.
The President of the Law Students’ Society (LSS) OAU, Kayode Taiwo Matthew (popularly known as KTM), used the platform to highlight the society’s recent accomplishments. “We are not just waiting for the future—we are actively shaping it,” he said, explaining the rationale behind the conference’s theme and goals.
KTM detailed several landmark achievements by his administration, one of which was the rapid mobilisation of over ₦40 million in just three days to support a fellow student in urgent need of medical attention. According to him, this act of solidarity showcased the strength and unity within the LSS community.
He also noted the introduction of a paid legal internship program, initiated under his leadership. This program not only provides students with practical legal experience but also serves as a means of financial empowerment. “We believe legal education must go beyond theory to include real-world readiness,” KTM added.
The conference concluded with a call for increased legal activism, particularly among African professionals, to safeguard the continent’s interests on the global stage.
Falana’s charge served as a rallying point for young legal minds to uphold justice both locally and internationally, while refusing to accept agreements that compromise Africa’s future.
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