I’ll serve NBA with integrity, ensures lawyers earn, live better — Badejo-Okusanya

Newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has expressed gratitude to members of the association for electing her as its next president, pledging to lead with integrity, humility and accountability.

In a statement issued on Sunday after the announcement of the election results, Badejo-Okusanya described her victory as a collective achievement for lawyers who believed in her vision of “A BBOLD Bar That Works for Everyone.”

She thanked NBA members for their confidence, saying she was deeply humbled by the trust reposed in her.

“This victory belongs to all of us who believe in A BBOLD BAR THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE. Thank you to every member who supported this vision, to my fellow contestants for enriching our democratic process, and to every colleague who participated in this election,” she said.

The president-elect also acknowledged the contributions of her campaign council, volunteers, coordinators, supporters, friends and colleagues, saying their dedication and sacrifices made her victory possible.

She equally expressed appreciation to her husband, family, mentors and others who supported her throughout the campaign with prayers and encouragement.

Badejo-Okusanya said the conclusion of the election marked the beginning of the task of serving the association, promising to work for the benefit of all members.

“The campaign is over. The work begins now. I pledge to serve every member of the Nigerian Bar Association with integrity, humility, courage, and accountability,” she said.

She added that her administration would focus on improving the welfare and professional development of lawyers across the country.

“Together, we will build an NBA where lawyers can earn better, live better, and practise better,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya was elected as the NBA’s first elected female president after defeating her opponents in the association’s 2026 national election. She will succeed the outgoing president, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).

Okusanya,  emerged as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association after defeating two other senior lawyers in the association’s 2026 national officers’ election.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the results at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja on Sunday, following the conclusion of the election, which was delayed by technical challenges and a cyberattack.

Ejelam said Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, to defeat her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who secured 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent.

The third presidential candidate, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, polled 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent.