President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historical election as the first elected female president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her victory as a milestone for the legal profession and a triumph for merit, excellence, and gender inclusion.
According to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the president, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence underscored the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice.
The president said the senior advocate’s distinguished legal career, marked by integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice, had earned her the confidence of lawyers across the country.
According to the statement, Tinubu expressed confidence that her leadership would strengthen the legal profession by upholding the rule of law and promoting reforms that improve access to justice for Nigerians.
Congratulating the NBA President-elect, the President said, “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. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service.”
He also urged her to foster unity within the association following the keenly contested election.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the bar, and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election. I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large,” the president added.
Tinubu further called on the incoming NBA president to work with stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, protect the sanctity of the Constitution, and sustain the legal profession’s role as a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
The president also assured her of his administration’s commitment to partnering with the NBA to deepen democratic governance, promote justice, and build a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
Badejo-Okusanya was elected the 33rd President of the NBA after polling 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 percent of the votes cast, to defeat Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who secured 7,934 votes (30.39 percent), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, garnered 5,855 votes (22.43 percent).
Her victory makes her the first woman to be elected president of the association and only the second female to lead the NBA after Priscilla Kuye, who served from 1991 to 1992.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
