The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, as its 33rd President, making her the first woman to be elected to lead the association in its history.
Badejo-Okusanya secured victory in the NBA’s 2026 national election, which took place between July 18 and 19, defeating two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria to emerge as leader of Africa’s largest body of legal practitioners.
According to the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), she polled 12,317 votes (47.18%), ahead of Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who received 7,934 votes, while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, finished third with 5,855 votes.
Historic victory for the Nigerian Bar Association
Her election marks a significant milestone for the legal profession, as she becomes the first woman to be elected NBA President. Although the late Dame Priscilla Kuye previously served as NBA President between 1991 and 1992, she assumed office after the then president was appointed Attorney-General of the Federation rather than through an election.
The announcement followed a keenly contested poll that faced technical challenges, including a reported cyber attack that nearly disrupted the electoral process.
Speaking after the results were declared, outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, urged members to unite.
He said, “At the end of the day, let the Bar be the winner.”
Badejo-Okusanya promises unity and lawyers’ welfare
In her acceptance message, Badejo-Okusanya thanked members for their confidence and pledged to build a more inclusive association.
She said, “Thank you for believing in our shared vision of A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”
The newly elected president also promised to prioritise lawyers’ welfare, improve professional opportunities and promote unity across the association.
Her victory has attracted congratulatory messages from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, who both urged her to strengthen the Bar and uphold the rule of law.
