The newly – elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to build an association where every lawyer has the opportunity to “earn better, live better and practise better.” Badejo-Okusanya made the commitment in a message posted on her X handle on Sunday, shortly after she was declared winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election. Her election marks a historic milestone as she becomes the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second woman to lead the association, more than three decades after Priscilla Kuye served as president from 1991 to 1992. Expressing gratitude to members of the association, Badejo-Okusanya, described her victory as a collective triumph for lawyers who believed in a more inclusive, responsive and effective Bar. “Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. “I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President. “Thank you for believing in our shared vision of A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers,” she said. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said extensive consultations with lawyers across the country during the campaign would shape her administration. “Over the past months, I had the privilege of travelling across our nation, engaging with colleagues in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. “I listened to your hopes, your concerns, your aspirations, and your ideas. Those conversations shaped this campaign, and they will continue to guide my leadership,” she stated. Calling for unity after the keenly contested election, Badejo-Okusanya urged members to put the contest behind them and work together for the advancement of the legal profession. “I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who participated in this election, regardless of the candidate you supported. The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law. “I congratulate my fellow contestants for their commitment to our Association and for enriching this democratic process. I look forward to working with all of you as partners in building an NBA that reflects the very best of our profession,” she added. She also thanked members of her campaign council, volunteers, supporters, family and friends for their contributions to her successful bid, reserving special appreciation for her husband for his “love, sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering belief” throughout the campaign. The president-elect pledged to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness and accountability. “Today marks not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a new responsibility. “I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better. “The work begins now. May God continue to bless the Nigerian Bar Association and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Thank you, and God bless you all,” she said. Badejo-Okusanya was declared winner of the election by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Aham Ejelam, SAN, after a voting process that experienced technical glitches and a cyberattack. She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, defeating her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent). Another contestant, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, received 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent. She will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, succeeding Afam Osigwe, SAN.
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