Tinubu congratulates Badejo-Okusanya, first elected female NBA president

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on her historic election as the first elected female president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Tinubu described her victory as a significant milestone for the legal profession and a testament to merit, excellence, and gender inclusion.

Badejo-Okusanya secured a decisive win in the election held over the weekend, garnering 12,317 votes. She surpassed fellow SANs Lateef Akangbe, who received 7,934 votes, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who secured 5,855 votes. Her win represented 47.18 percent of the total votes cast in the presidential election, according to the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).

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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.

The election process was not without its challenges, marked by controversy surrounding its conduct and the electronic voting system. Voting commenced significantly later than scheduled due to what the ECNBA termed a "deliberate, coordinated and sustained cyberattack" on the platform. Preceding the election were legal and administrative disputes concerning the ECNBA's composition and the voter register's credibility. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal in Ibadan cleared the way for the election by overturning a lower court's restraining order.

President Tinubu lauded Badejo-Okusanya's career, characterized by integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to justice. He expressed confidence that her leadership would enhance the legal profession, improve access to justice, and support reforms within the justice sector. He urged her to collaborate with stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, uphold the constitution, and maintain the legal profession's vital role in a democratic society. Tinubu also encouraged her to unite the Bar and address the issues that emerged during the election.

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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.