The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as its 33rd President, making her only the second woman to lead the association since its establishment. She emerged victorious after securing the highest number of votes in the association’s nationwide electronic election.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has been elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), defeating two other senior lawyers in one of the association’s most closely watched elections.
The election, conducted electronically over a 24-hour period, attracted more than 26,000 votes from eligible lawyers across the country.
According to the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total ballots cast.
Her closest challenger, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), received 7,934 votes, while Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) finished third with 5,855 votes. A total of 26,106 valid votes were recorded in the presidential contest.
With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya becomes the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second female president in the association’s history, more than three decades after the first woman occupied the office.
Her emergence has been described by many members of the legal profession as a significant milestone for gender representation within Nigeria’s legal community.
Following the announcement of the results, the President-elect thanked lawyers nationwide for their confidence and pledged to lead an inclusive, accountable and independent Bar.
She urged members to put the election behind them and work together in strengthening the legal profession, defending the rule of law and promoting justice across Nigeria.
Throughout her campaign, Badejo-Okusanya centred her message on improving the welfare of lawyers, expanding inclusion within the association and strengthening the independence of the legal profession.
She is expected to formally assume office later this year, succeeding Afam Osigwe (SAN) as NBA President.
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks a significant moment for the Nigerian Bar Association as the organisation begins a new leadership chapter. Many lawyers will now be watching how her administration delivers on promises to strengthen professional standards, improve members’ welfare and reinforce the NBA’s role in promoting justice and the rule of law.