Nigerian Bar Association Elects First Female President
In a historic election, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya Sanya as its first female president. This significant milestone follows the tenure of Dame Priscilla Olaboli-Kue, who was the NBA’s first female president from 1991 to 1992.
Election Outcome and Voter Turnout
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks her as the 33rd president of the NBA, succeeding in a competitive vote conducted from July 18 to 19, 2026. She secured her position by garnering 12,317 votes, accounting for 47.18% of the total votes cast for presidential candidates. Her closest competitor, Lateef Akanbe, received 7,934 votes, while the consensus candidate, Omo Egbe Amofin Oduah and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, managed 5,855 votes. Out of a total of 26,184 voters in the election, 26,106 participated in voting for the presidential role.
Challenges Faced During the Election
Upon announcing the results, outgoing president Mazi Afam Osigwe revealed that the electoral process encountered numerous challenges, including a cyberattack that threatened its integrity. He noted that despite attempts to disrupt the elections, the process remained intact. Osigwe emphasized the importance of enhancing the NBA’s electoral mechanisms to bolster confidence among its members.
Commitment to Members and Future Goals
Following her victory, Badejo-Okusanya expressed her commitment to addressing the welfare of lawyers and improving working conditions within the profession. In a message shared on social media, she expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by NBA members and articulated her vision for a more inclusive and progressive association that prioritizes the interests of all lawyers.
Call for Unity Among Legal Professionals
Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, congratulated the newly elected president, lauding her victory as a reflection of the faith lawyers have in her leadership. He stressed the importance of the NBA in upholding democratic principles, urging her leadership to promote equal access to justice in Nigeria.
Prioritizing Unity Amidst Divisions
Kemi Pinheiro, a distinguished legal scholar, has called upon Badejo-Okusanya to prioritize unity within the NBA. He emphasized the necessity for healing divisions that exist along generational and ideological lines. Pinheiro underscored that fostering a cohesive and inclusive environment is crucial for the bar’s ability to uphold the rule of law and effectively advocate for the legal profession in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
As Badejo-Okusanya takes office, her leadership will be assessed on her ability to bring about stability and unity within the association. With a commitment to improving the legal profession and an understanding of the challenges ahead, she aims to lay the groundwork for a strengthened, purpose-driven NBA, ensuring that the voices of all members are heard and represented.
