Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya Emerges 33rd NBA President, Promises Enhanced Welfare for Lawyers

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has been elected as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming only the second woman to lead the organization in its history. Following her victory, she pledged to foster an inclusive association where legal practitioners can “earn better, live better, and practise better.”

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Aham Ejelam (SAN), declared Badejo-Okusanya the winner following a nationwide voting exercise that experienced initial delays due to technical hitches and a cyberattack.

Badejo-Okusanya secured the presidency by pooling 12,317 votes, representing 47.18% of the total votes cast. She defeated her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe (SAN), who garnered 7,934 votes (30.39%), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) finished third with 5,855 votes (22.43%).

With this outcome, Badejo-Okusanya will steer the affairs of the bar from 2026 to 2028, succeeding the outgoing president, Afam Osigwe (SAN). Her election breaks a multi-decade ceiling, making her the first female NBA president since Priscilla Kuye’s tenure from 1991 to 1992.

In a statement released shortly after the official announcement on Sunday, the president-elect expressed deep gratitude to the members of the association, describing the mandate as a collective victory for a more responsive bar. She stated that she stands before the bar with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility, noting that the victory belongs to every member who believes the association can be stronger and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers.

She noted that her administration’s roadmap would be heavily guided by the insights, concerns, and aspirations shared by lawyers across various state branches during her nationwide campaign tours.

Addressing the competitive nature of the polls, the president-elect extended an olive branch to her co-contestants and urged all members of the legal community to unite. She emphasized that the conclusion of the elections signals a time to work together toward the common goals of the profession, reiterating that the bar remains united by a shared commitment to the advancement of the profession and the defense of justice and the rule of law.

Pledging to lead the NBA with integrity, courage, and accountability, Badejo-Okusanya affirmed her commitment to being a leader for all factions within the bar as the official transition work begins.