I must at first register my incredulity that Femi Falana is only just turning 60! Seems the brilliant Nigerian public defender’s been around in our collective consciousness forever.

There was one Gani Fawehinmi. One Tunji Braithwaite. There was one Kanmi Ishola-Ọsọbu and there is a diminutive, crazy, brilliant lawyer called Femi Falana.

His popularity rode shotgun next to that of his most popular, most notorious client- Fela Anikulapo Kuti. So powerful, vibrant and timeless was the image. You think Fela- and the picture of a prison gate come into view and there was Femi running animatedly towards the huge gate, clutching tightly on to some ruffled pages of a court order for his famous client’s release.

Wasn’t too sure if he ever had a second, third, fourth or any other client aside Fela. For the Abàmì-Ẹ̀dá was always in trouble and Femi was always on hand to bail him out. He was Johnny Cochran way before that American rascal got The Juice off with: if ‘the glove doesn’t fit, ye must acquit.’ Such a steadfast public defender of progressive values, human ideals and of the national conscience. The man any conscious Nigerian troublemaker ought to have on speed dial. Ironically I am glad Femi is only turning 60. Meaning he’s got more mileage on him still, to help with berthing this wayward, perilous Nigerian ship safely aground.

Happy Birthday Young Man!