Badejo-Okunsanya Wins NBA Presidential Election

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, has been elected as the new President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after defeating three other candidates in the association’s national election conducted through an online voting system.

Badejo-Okunsanya secured 12,317 votes to emerge winner of the keenly contested poll. Her closest rival, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), polled 7,934 votes, while a total of 26,184 lawyers participated in the election.

The election was conducted electronically, with results released as voting progressed. Many members of the legal profession described the process as transparent and credible, paving the way for the emergence of a new leadership for the association.

Following the declaration of the results, Badejo-Okunsanya thanked members of the NBA for trusting her with the responsibility of leading the association. She described her victory as one shared by lawyers who believe in building a stronger, more inclusive and responsive Bar.

She said the confidence reposed in her by members came with a huge responsibility and pledged to justify the trust placed in her through dedicated service.

The President-elect said the support she received reflected acceptance of her campaign vision, which focused on creating a Bar that serves every lawyer regardless of background or status. She added that her administration would work towards improving the association while protecting the interests of legal practitioners across the country.

Badejo-Okunsanya also recalled her consultations with lawyers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during her campaign. She said the interactions gave her a better understanding of the issues affecting members and would guide her administration after assuming office.

She noted that the concerns, ideas and expectations shared by lawyers during the campaign would form the basis of her policies and programmes.

Calling for unity after the election, the President-elect urged members to put the contest behind them and work together for the progress of the legal profession and the association.

She also congratulated the other candidates for participating in the election and expressed her willingness to work with them in moving the NBA forward.

Badejo-Okunsanya thanked members of her campaign council, volunteers, coordinators and supporters for their commitment throughout the election period, saying their efforts contributed to her victory.

She equally expressed appreciation to her husband, family members, mentors and friends for their encouragement, prayers and support during the campaign.

Looking ahead, she pledged to lead the association with integrity, fairness, humility, accountability and courage while ensuring that every member receives equal attention and opportunities.

She also promised to pursue reforms aimed at improving the welfare, professional growth and working conditions of Nigerian lawyers.

According to the President-elect, her administration would serve every member of the NBA without bias and create an environment where lawyers can enjoy better welfare and greater opportunities in legal practice.

She said the real task begins after the election and called on members to unite behind a common goal of strengthening the association, protecting the rule of law and advancing the legal profession in Nigeria.

Badejo-Okunsanya is expected to officially assume office after the conclusion of the NBA’s annual transition process later this year. Her tenure is expected to focus on institutional reforms, member welfare and strengthening the role of the legal profession in Nigeria’s democratic system.