Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after winning the association’s national election held on Saturday.
Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, defeating two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria who contested the top office.
Her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, polled 7,934 votes, while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, received 5,855 votes.
The election, conducted electronically, attracted thousands of lawyers from across the country, who voted to choose new national officers that will lead the association for the next two years.
With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya takes over the leadership of one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies at a time when the legal profession is facing growing demands for judicial reforms, improved welfare for lawyers and stronger defence of the rule of law.
Apart from the president-elect, several other candidates also emerged winners in different national offices.
Oghenero Okoro was elected First Vice President after polling 11,024 votes, while Afam Okeke won the position of General Secretary with 8,478 votes.
Aghogho Gladys emerged as Assistant General Secretary after securing 14,312 votes, while Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam was elected Welfare Secretary with 14,911 votes. Other candidates also won various positions in the association’s National Executive Committee.
Shortly after the results were announced, Badejo-Okusanya expressed appreciation to members of the association for the confidence reposed in her.
In a message to lawyers across the country, she described her election as both an honour and a great responsibility.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” she said.
“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President.”
She thanked members for supporting her campaign and believing in what she described as a shared vision for the association.
According to her, the victory belongs to every lawyer who believes the NBA can become stronger, more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of its members.
“Thank you for believing in our shared vision of **A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone**. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers,” she said.
Badejo-Okusanya also pledged to work with members across the country to build an association that reflects the interests of lawyers regardless of their age, location or area of practice.
Her emergence has been welcomed by many lawyers, who expect the new leadership to focus on improving the welfare of members, strengthening legal practice and protecting the independence of the judiciary.
The Nigerian Bar Association is the umbrella body for legal practitioners in Nigeria. It plays a major role in promoting the rule of law, defending constitutional democracy and speaking on issues affecting the justice system and governance.
Over the years, the association has remained a strong voice on matters relating to judicial independence, human rights, electoral reforms and constitutional development. It also provides continuing legal education and professional support for lawyers across the country.
The NBA president is regarded as one of the most influential voices within Nigeria’s legal profession because the office represents thousands of lawyers and regularly engages the executive, legislature and judiciary on national issues.
In recent years, the association has consistently spoken against attacks on judicial independence, delays in the administration of justice and violations of fundamental human rights. It has also advocated reforms aimed at improving access to justice and restoring public confidence in the country’s legal system.
The new leadership is expected to build on these efforts while addressing concerns raised by young lawyers, many of whom have repeatedly called for better welfare packages, improved mentoring opportunities and greater participation in the affairs of the association.
As the new executive prepares to assume office, members of the association are expected to look to Badejo-Okusanya’s administration to fulfil the promises made during the campaign and unite the bar behind a common vision.
Her election marks the beginning of another chapter in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association, with expectations that the new leadership will continue to defend the rule of law while working to improve the welfare and professional development of lawyers across Nigeria.