President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the first elected and second female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described her emergence as a watershed moment for the legal profession and a triumph of merit, excellence, and gender inclusion.
Tinubu noted that Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished career, marked by integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to justice, earned her the confidence and support of legal practitioners across the country.
According to the President, her election reflects the growing recognition of the invaluable contributions of women to nation-building and the administration of justice. He expressed confidence that her leadership would further strengthen the legal profession through the promotion of the rule of law and reforms aimed at improving access to justice for all Nigerians.
Tinubu urged the incoming NBA President to work closely with stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, protect the sanctity of the Constitution, and sustain the legal profession’s role as a critical pillar of democratic governance.
He also assured her of his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the NBA in deepening democracy, promoting justice, and building a more prosperous and united nation.
“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election.
“I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large,” the President said.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged winner of the NBA presidential election after polling the highest number of votes when voting officially ended on Sunday morning.
The only female among the three presidential candidates, she secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the election, which was conducted electronically over a 24-hour period from 7:35 a.m. on Saturday to 7:34 a.m. on Sunday.
Her victory makes her the 33rd President of the NBA and the second woman to lead the association since its establishment in 1933.
Also elected was Afam Okeke, who emerged as General Secretary after polling 8,478 votes to defeat his opponents.
All elected officials will serve a two-year term spanning 2026 to 2028.
