Badejo-Okusanya takes over as 33rd NBA President, succeeds Osigwe

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has assumed office as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), succeeding Afam Osigwe, SAN.

Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence followed the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election held electronically in July. She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the votes cast, defeating Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who received 5,855 votes.

Her election marked a historic milestone for the association, making her the first woman to be elected directly as NBA president and the second woman overall to lead the association. The first female NBA president was Priscilla Kuye, who served from 1991 to 1992.

Badejo-Okusanya is expected to serve a two-year tenure covering 2026 to 2028. She takes charge of the association at a time when lawyers have raised concerns about professional welfare, access to justice, the rule of law and the need for reforms within Nigeria’s legal system.

In her message following her election, the new NBA president pledged to serve members with integrity, accountability and humility, while promising to build an association where lawyers can “earn better, live better, and practise better.”

Her election followed a process that was not without controversy. The electronic voting exercise experienced technical difficulties and was reportedly disrupted by a cyberattack, leading to delays and complaints from some participants and candidates.

One of her opponents, Akinboro, subsequently questioned aspects of the electoral process, alleging irregularities and concerns over his name on the presidential ballot. Badejo-Okusanya, however, later said she would resign if credible evidence emerged that the election that produced her was rigged.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her election, describing her emergence as a significant development for the legal profession and recognising her as the first elected female president and second woman to head the NBA.

The new NBA administration is expected to build on the work of the outgoing leadership while addressing concerns surrounding the welfare of lawyers, professional standards, access to justice and the defence of the rule of law.

Badejo-Okusanya’s tenure also places the NBA under a historic female leadership, with expectations that her administration will further advance inclusion and strengthen the association’s role in Nigeria’s justice system and national affairs.