President says Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence marks a watershed moment for Nigeria’s legal profession and gender inclusion.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, President Tinubu described her emergence as a landmark achievement for the legal profession and a testament to merit, excellence and gender inclusion.
The President praised Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished career, noting that her integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice earned her the confidence of legal practitioners across the country.
According to President Tinubu, her election reflects the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
“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,” the President said.
He urged the incoming NBA President to unite members of the Bar, engage her fellow contestants and address concerns arising from the election process.
President Tinubu also expressed confidence that her leadership would strengthen the legal profession, promote judicial reforms and uphold the rule of law.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after securing 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast during the NBA’s electronic election conducted over a 24-hour period.
Her victory makes her the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second woman to lead the association since its establishment in 1933.
Also elected was Afam Okeke, who won the position of General Secretary with 8,478 votes.
The newly elected NBA officials are expected to serve a two-year tenure from 2026 to 2028.