Senior advocate condemns NBA election, says he has lost faith in association

A prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, has declared a loss of confidence in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following its recent national officers’ election, which he described as controversial and a "sham coronation."

Okutepa, known for his outspoken commentary on legal and governance matters, stated on social media that the election has stripped the NBA of its credibility, objectivity, honesty, and integrity. He alleged that "every stage of the processes" was manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome. Specifically, he cited the illegality of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) composition and its lack of independence as key issues.

“

every stage of the processes was manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome, capping his review by saying, “It is sad that NBA has lost everything noble.”

"It is sad that NBA has lost everything noble," Okutepa lamented, arguing that the election was "stage-managed and biased." He warned that this development would have adverse consequences for the legal profession in Nigeria.

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, also a SAN, emerged as the 33rd president of the NBA, securing 12,317 votes against her two male SAN opponents. The electronic voting process saw a turnout of 31.86%, with 26,184 of the 82,172 registered voters casting ballots for the 13 national offices. Several other national officers were also elected, including Oghenero Okoro as first vice president and Afam Okeke as general secretary.

“

I have lost faith in the Nigerian Bar Association as professional association of lawyers. Credibility, objectivity, honesty and integrity have all departed from the NBA, affairs of NBA and the politics in NBA, unfortunately.