Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has endorsed the presidential ambition of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, describing her as a principled, competent and visionary lawyer with the capacity to reposition the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Ezekwesili’s endorsement is the latest boost for Badejo-Okusanya’s campaign ahead of the NBA presidential election, adding to the growing support she has received from prominent Nigerians within and outside the legal profession.
The endorsement was announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
In her message, Ezekwesili praised Badejo-Okusanya’s professional achievements, leadership qualities and commitment to ethical legal practice, saying she possesses the qualities needed to lead the country’s foremost association of legal practitioners.
According to the former minister, the senior lawyer has consistently demonstrated competence, courage and dedication to the advancement of the legal profession.
“I am delighted to see that the brilliant and amazing Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, is running for NBA President,” Ezekwesili said.
She noted that Badejo-Okusanya’s work over the years has focused on promoting professional ethics, strengthening arbitration practice, improving governance and advocating better welfare for young lawyers.
Ezekwesili said those issues remain critical to the future of the Nigerian Bar Association and the legal profession as a whole.
“Her engagements frequently focus on professional ethics, arbitration, governance and improving conditions for young lawyers. These are the ideals the Bar needs at this moment, and she rightly represents them,” she added.
The endorsement comes barely a week after the Founder and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, also publicly declared his support for Badejo-Okusanya’s candidature.
The increasing endorsements from respected public figures are expected to strengthen her campaign as members of the legal profession prepare to elect a new leadership for the NBA.
The Nigerian Bar Association is the umbrella body for lawyers in Nigeria and plays a major role in promoting the rule of law, defending judicial independence, protecting human rights and advancing legal reforms.
The office of NBA President is regarded as one of the most influential positions within Nigeria’s legal profession because the holder speaks on issues affecting the judiciary, governance, constitutional democracy and the welfare of legal practitioners.
Badejo-Okusanya has built a career spanning public service, private legal practice and legal scholarship.
Born on January 15, 1967, she began her education at the University of Lagos Staff School before proceeding to Federal Government College, Jos, for her secondary education.
She later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Lagos in 1987 before returning to the same institution to study law, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2000.
Following her call to the Nigerian Bar, she established herself in legal practice and gradually earned recognition in areas including commercial law, dispute resolution and public sector legal advisory services.
In July 2011, she was appointed General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
While serving in government, she played a significant role in the development of the Lagos State Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS), an initiative introduced to help more residents access affordable housing through mortgage financing.
The housing program became one of the flagship policies of the Fashola administration, aimed at reducing the state’s housing deficit and expanding home ownership opportunities.
After leaving public office in June 2015, Badejo-Okusanya returned to private legal practice, where she continued to build her career and contribute to the development of the legal profession.
In September 2025, she was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the highest honours that can be conferred on a legal practitioner in the country.
The SAN title is awarded to lawyers who have distinguished themselves through excellence in advocacy, legal scholarship and contributions to the development of the law.
Her bid for the NBA presidency has attracted attention not only because of her professional record but also because of its historic significance.
If elected, Badejo-Okusanya would become the first woman to serve as President of the Nigerian Bar Association since the organisation was established more than 90 years ago.
Her emergence would mark a major milestone for gender representation within Nigeria’s legal profession, where women have continued to occupy more leadership positions in recent years.
Her election would also extend a family tradition of breaking barriers.
According to the statement, her mother made history as the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos before retiring from the institution.
Supporters of Badejo-Okusanya argue that her experience in both public service and private practice, combined with her commitment to ethics and professional development, makes her well suited to lead the NBA at a time when the legal profession is facing growing demands for reforms.
Issues such as the welfare of young lawyers, judicial independence, professional discipline, legal education and the adoption of technology have become central topics in discussions about the future of the association.
The NBA has also continued to play an active role in national affairs by speaking on constitutional matters, electoral reforms, human rights and the administration of justice.
As the association prepares for its presidential election, members are expected to assess the programs and leadership qualities of the candidates before casting their votes.