Nigeria’s legal profession has entered a new chapter as Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming only the second woman to lead the association in its more than 90-year history, after Dame Priscilla Kuye, who served from 1991 to 1992.
Her election is significant not only because it breaks a 34-year gap since the NBA last had a female president, but also because she is widely recognised as the first woman to secure the office through a competitive election. The milestone represents another important moment for women’s leadership in one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies.
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A Landmark Victory for the Nigerian Bar Association
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after polling 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the ballots cast during the association’s national electronic election. She defeated fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Akangbe, who received 7,934 votes, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who secured 5,855 votes.
With the victory, she succeeds Afam Osigwe, SAN, and will lead the Nigerian Bar Association for the 2026 to 2028 term.
Founded in 1933, the NBA is regarded as Africa’s largest bar association, representing more than 140,000 lawyers across Nigeria through over 120 branches. The association plays a key role in promoting the rule of law, professional ethics, legal education and justice sector reforms.
Alongside Badejo-Okusanya’s election, several other national officers were also chosen, including Oghenero Okoro as First Vice President, Afam Okeke as General Secretary, Aghogho Gladys as Assistant General Secretary, and Chinelo Ofoegbunam as Welfare Secretary.
Election Withstands Cyberattack
This year’s election was not without challenges.
The NBA’s electronic voting process experienced a cyberattack that disrupted parts of the authentication and one-time password (OTP) system during voting. The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) responded by rebuilding and migrating its digital infrastructure, allowing the election to continue successfully.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, outgoing President Afam Osigwe said attempts to derail the election ultimately failed despite efforts to undermine the process.
He called on newly elected officers to remain focused on strengthening the association while urging candidates who were unsuccessful to support the new leadership in the interest of the legal profession.
Osigwe also stressed the importance of improving cybersecurity and protecting the integrity of future NBA elections, describing the incident as a reminder of the need for stronger digital safeguards.
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A New Chapter for the NBA
Badejo-Okusanya’s election is expected to usher in a new phase for the Nigerian Bar Association as it continues to address issues affecting legal practitioners and the justice system. Her emergence also reflects the increasing representation of women in leadership positions across Nigeria’s professional institutions.
As she prepares to assume office, expectations will be high for her administration to strengthen the association, promote professional development and uphold the NBA’s longstanding role as a leading voice on legal and constitutional issues in Nigeria.
With one of Africa’s largest professional bodies now under new leadership, the legal community will be watching closely as the association begins its next chapter.
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