BADEJO-OKUSANYA PLEDGES BETTER WELFARE FOR LAWYERS AFTER NBA PRESIDENTIAL VICTORY

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to build an association where every lawyer will have the opportunity to “earn better, live better, and practise better.”

Badejo-Okusanya made the pledge in a message posted on her X handle on Sunday, shortly after she was declared the winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election.

Her victory makes her the 33rd President of the association and only the second woman to hold the office.

In her appreciation message, the senior advocate thanked members of the Bar for entrusting her with the leadership of the association, describing the outcome as a collective victory for lawyers who believed in a more inclusive, responsive and effective NBA.

“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.

Badejo-Okusanya said her campaign was shaped by extensive engagements with lawyers across the country, adding that those interactions would continue to influence 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.

She also urged members of the association to remain united, irrespective of the candidates they supported during the election.

“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.

The president-elect also expressed appreciation to members of her campaign council, volunteers, supporters, family and friends for standing by her throughout the electioneering process.

She reserved special thanks for her husband, acknowledging his “love, sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering belief” throughout the campaign.

Badejo-Okusanya further pledged to lead the association with integrity, humility, fairness and accountability, saying the conclusion of the election marked the beginning of a new phase of responsibility.

“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.

Hotjist earlier reported that the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Aham Ejelam, SAN, declared Badejo-Okusanya the winner after the conclusion of the election, which experienced delays due to technical challenges and a cyberattack.

She 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 (30.39 per cent).

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

Badejo-Okusanya will serve as NBA President from 2026 to 2028, succeeding Afam Osigwe, SAN.

She also becomes the second female President of the association after Priscilla Kuye, who served from 1991 to 1992.