ABUJA – Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after winning the association’s national election held on Saturday.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after securing 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, defeating other leading contenders in the keenly contested election.
Her closest challengers were Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who received 5,855 votes.
Other candidates elected into the NBA’s national executive committee include Oghenero Okoro, who emerged First Vice President with 11,024 votes; Afam Okeke, elected General Secretary with 8,478 votes; Aghogho Gladys, who won the position of Assistant General Secretary with 14,312 votes; and Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam, who emerged Welfare Secretary after securing 14,911 votes.
Reacting to her victory, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude to members of the legal profession, describing the mandate as a call to greater responsibility.
She said: “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.”
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks a new chapter in the leadership of the NBA as she takes over the affairs of the association with a pledge to promote unity, inclusiveness, and a stronger legal profession.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.