ABUJA — The Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has congratulated Mrs. 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 women’s leadership in Nigeria and a powerful affirmation that competence and merit continue to shape the country’s professional institutions.
In a congratulatory message, the Forum said Badejo-Okusanya’s victory transcends personal accomplishment, noting that her election sends a strong signal that women are increasingly breaking long-standing barriers in leadership across the legal profession and other sectors.
The organisation said her emergence through a competitive democratic process would inspire more women and young professionals to pursue leadership positions with confidence while reinforcing the importance of merit, integrity and service in public and professional life.
“Your achievement is a powerful milestone for women in leadership and an inspiration to many,” the Forum said.
WIPF expressed confidence that the President-elect would provide visionary leadership for Africa’s largest Bar Association and further strengthen the legal profession through her commitment to the rule of law, institutional development and professional excellence.
The Forum also wished Badejo-Okusanya a successful and impactful tenure, expressing optimism that her leadership would encourage greater participation of women in decision-making positions across the country.
Badejo-Okusanya made history after polling 12,317 votes to defeat Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, becoming the first woman to be directly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association and only the second woman to lead the Association in its 66-year history.
Her victory has continued to attract congratulations from professional bodies, civil society organisations and women’s groups, many of which have described her election as an important milestone in the campaign for greater gender representation in leadership.
Political observers say the growing wave of endorsements reflects the broader significance attached to her election beyond the legal profession, with many viewing it as evidence of the gradual expansion of opportunities for women in leadership within Nigeria’s major institutions.
