President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the first woman to be elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing her emergence as a milestone for the legal profession and a victory for merit, excellence and gender inclusion.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the election reflected the growing recognition of women’s contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The President said Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished legal career, which he described as being marked by integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice, had earned her the confidence of lawyers across the country.
He expressed confidence that her leadership would strengthen the legal profession, uphold the rule of law and advance reforms aimed at improving Nigerians’ access to justice.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
The President also urged the NBA President-elect to reach out to her opponents and work towards healing divisions that may have arisen from 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,” he added.
Tinubu further called on Badejo-Okusanya to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in advancing judicial reforms, protecting the sanctity of the Constitution and sustaining the legal profession’s role as a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
He assured the incoming NBA leadership of his administration’s willingness to partner with the Association in deepening democratic governance, promoting justice and building a more prosperous and united country.
Badejo-Okusanya was declared the 33rd President of the NBA after polling 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 votes cast in the presidential contest.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, secured 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, received 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent.
Her victory makes her the first woman to win an election for the NBA presidency and the second woman to lead the Association after Dame Priscilla Kuye, who served from 1991 to 1992.
Badejo-Okusanya and the other elected national officers are expected to be inaugurated in August 2026, when the outgoing administration led by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, completes its tenure.
The post “Your Victory Shows Women Can Attain Any Height” — Tinubu Hails Badejo-Okusanya, Tells To Unite NBA, Address Election Concerns appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
