The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as its new president, making history as the second woman to lead the association. She succeeds Afam Osigwe, SAN, following the conclusion of the association’s 2026 national elections.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after defeating two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) in a closely watched election. According to the official results, she secured 47.18 percent of the 26,106 votes cast, earning a mandate to lead one of Africa’s largest professional legal bodies.
Her election comes after days of intense campaigns and legal debates surrounding the electoral process. Despite concerns raised before the poll, the NBA proceeded with the election, which was conducted electronically under the supervision of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).
In her acceptance remarks, Badejo-Okusanya pledged to strengthen the legal profession, uphold the rule of law, and promote reforms aimed at improving legal practice and justice delivery across Nigeria. She also expressed gratitude to members of the association for their confidence in her leadership.
Legal practitioners and stakeholders have described her victory as a significant milestone for the NBA, noting that her emergence reflects growing support for inclusive leadership within the legal profession. She is expected to formally assume office at the association’s Annual General Conference later this year.
