Renowned human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, has congratulated Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a defining moment for the legal profession and a significant milestone for women’s leadership in Nigeria.
In a congratulatory message following the conclusion of the NBA presidential election, Ezeilo said Badejo-Okusanya’s victory represented more than an individual achievement, noting that it reflected the expanding role of women in the leadership of key professional institutions.
She described the election as “a historic and inspiring moment for the legal profession,” adding that it opened “a new season of possibility” for the NBA.
According to Ezeilo, the emergence of Badejo-Okusanya as the first woman elected by members of the Association to lead Africa’s largest Bar marks an important chapter in the NBA’s institutional history and offers renewed hope for inclusive leadership within the legal profession.
“We celebrate this remarkable achievement and look forward to the transformational, visionary leadership you will bring to the Association,” she said.
The distinguished human rights lawyer expressed confidence that the President-elect would provide purposeful leadership for the Bar at a time when the profession faces growing expectations over lawyers’ welfare, justice sector reform and the defence of the rule of law.
She prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance as Badejo-Okusanya prepares to assume office.
“Wishing you Godspeed, wisdom, strength, and resounding success as you prepare to lead. Congratulations, Madam President-Elect,” Ezeilo stated.
Badejo-Okusanya was declared winner of the NBA presidential election after polling 12,317 votes, defeating fellow Senior Advocates Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN. Her victory makes her the second woman to lead the Association and the first to secure the office through a direct vote of NBA members.
Ezeilo’s message joins a growing stream of tributes from senior members of the Bar, jurists and professional bodies who have described the election as a significant moment not only for the Association but also for the advancement of women in leadership across the legal profession.
