Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been elected as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after winning the association’s 2026 national election.
Her victory marks an important moment in the history of Nigeria’s legal profession, as she becomes only the second woman to lead the NBA since its establishment.
Beyond the election results, many Nigerians and members of the legal community are asking who she is, how she won the election, and what her leadership could mean for lawyers across the country.
Who Is Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya?
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest professional distinction awarded to legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Over the years, she has built a reputation within the legal profession through private practice, bar activities, and leadership roles within the Nigerian Bar Association.
Her emergence as NBA President follows years of active involvement in the affairs of the association and advocacy for reforms aimed at improving the welfare of legal practitioners.
How Badejo-Okusanya Won the NBA Election
Voting in the 2026 NBA national election was conducted electronically under the supervision of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).
After the votes were counted, Badejo-Okusanya secured:
- 12,317 votes (47.18%)
- Lateef Akangbe (SAN): 7,934 votes (30.39%)
- Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN): 5,855 votes (22.43%)
Her victory gave her a clear lead over both challengers.
According to the ECNBA, 26,184 lawyers participated in the election out of more than 82,000 registered voters, representing a voter turnout of 31.86 percent.
Why Her Victory Is Historic
Badejo-Okusanya’s election is historic because she becomes only the second woman to serve as President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The first woman to hold the office was Priscilla Kuye, who served between 1991 and 1992.
Her election therefore comes more than three decades after the NBA last elected a female president.
Many lawyers have described the development as another step toward broader representation within the association’s leadership.
What Does the NBA President Do?
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association serves as the chief spokesperson and leader of the country’s largest professional body for lawyers.
The office is responsible for:
- Representing Nigerian lawyers nationally and internationally.
- Promoting the rule of law and judicial independence.
- Protecting the interests and welfare of legal practitioners.
- Leading policy discussions affecting the legal profession.
- Coordinating NBA conferences and national programmes.
- Engaging governments and institutions on justice sector reforms.
The NBA President serves a two-year tenure.
What Badejo-Okusanya Said After Winning
Reacting to her victory, Badejo-Okusanya thanked members of the association for their support and pledged to build what she described as “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”
In her acceptance message, she said the victory belonged to every lawyer who believed the association could become more inclusive, responsive, and better positioned to serve its members.
She also promised to lead with humility and responsibility throughout her tenure.
What Her Presidency Could Mean
Her administration is expected to focus on several issues affecting legal practitioners, including:
- Improving lawyers’ welfare.
- Strengthening the NBA’s internal governance.
- Supporting judicial reforms.
- Increasing participation of young lawyers.
- Promoting professional ethics.
- Enhancing continuing legal education.
The specific priorities of her administration are expected to become clearer after she formally assumes office and unveils her policy agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 NBA presidential election?
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) won the election with 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 percent of the total votes cast.
Who did she defeat?
She defeated Lateef Akangbe (SAN) and Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN).
Is she the first female NBA President?
No. She is the second woman to become President of the Nigerian Bar Association after Priscilla Kuye.
How long will she serve?
She will serve a two-year term, from 2026 to 2028.
What is the Nigerian Bar Association?
The Nigerian Bar Association is the umbrella professional association for lawyers in Nigeria. It promotes the rule of law, protects the interests of legal practitioners, and contributes to justice sector development.
Conclusion
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association represents a significant leadership transition for Nigeria’s legal profession. Beyond making history as only the second woman to occupy the office, her tenure will be closely watched as lawyers look to see how her administration addresses professional welfare, justice sector reforms, and the future direction of the NBA over the next two years.
