The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lawyers in the Media Forum has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, on her election as the 33rd President of the association, describing her emergence as a historic milestone for the Nigerian legal profession.
The forum said Badejo-Okusanya’s election had broken a significant barrier in the 93-year history of the NBA, making her the first woman to be elected president of the association.
In a congratulatory statement signed by its Chairman, Ustadh Adam O. Adedimeji, Esq., the forum said the new NBA president’s emergence represented a new chapter in the leadership of the Nigerian Bar and reflected her record of professional excellence and public service.
The forum cited her previous service as General Counsel to the Lagos State Governor’s Office and Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform, as well as her leadership of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, as evidence of her capacity to lead the association.
It also described Badejo-Okusanya as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and leading arbitrator with extensive experience in the legal profession.
According to the forum, her election comes at a critical period when the Bar is expected to play a stronger role in defending the rule of law, constitutionalism, access to justice and the independence of the legal profession.
“Your emergence is historic. As the first woman to be elected President of the NBA, and only the second woman to lead the Bar in its 93-year history, you have broken a significant glass ceiling and set a new standard for leadership, competence and excellence within our profession,” the statement said.
The forum pledged its support for the incoming administration, expressing confidence that Badejo-Okusanya would use her tenure to strengthen the NBA’s institutional standing and address issues affecting lawyers and the wider justice system.
It urged the new leadership to prioritise the welfare of lawyers, access to justice, the independence of the Bar and public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
The forum further expressed optimism that her administration would promote a more inclusive and impactful NBA.
“We are confident that under your leadership, the NBA will be repositioned for greater impact: in advancing access to justice, protecting the independence of the Bar, promoting the welfare of members and deepening public trust in the legal system,” it said.
The NBA Lawyers in the Media Forum prayed for wisdom for Badejo-Okusanya as she assumes the leadership of the association, expressing hope that she would leave the NBA “stronger, more inclusive and more respected” at the end of her tenure.
The forum described her election as a source of pride not only to the legal profession but also to Nigeria.