The election of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been hailed by the Womanifesto as a powerful affirmation that merit, experience and credible democratic processes remain capable of breaking long-standing barriers to women’s leadership in Nigeria.
The coalition, which comprises more than 300 women’s rights organisations, gender advocates and civil society groups, said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as the first woman to win the NBA presidency through a direct vote of members represents a defining moment not only for the legal profession but also for the broader campaign to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making across the country.
In a statement signed by its Co-Convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Womanifesto described the keenly contested election as a victory for competence, integrity and visionary leadership, arguing that the outcome demonstrates the value of transparent and inclusive democratic processes.
According to the coalition, Badejo-Okusanya’s victory sends a strong message that professional excellence and a proven record of service continue to inspire public confidence and remain the strongest qualifications for institutional leadership.
“The election of Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya reaffirms that competence, integrity, experience and visionary leadership remain the strongest credentials for public trust and institutional leadership,” the statement said.
Womanifesto noted that the President-elect brings to office more than two decades of distinguished legal practice spanning litigation, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, justice sector reform and public policy. It highlighted her elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, her fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and her role as Partner and Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at Africa Law Practice NG & Co.
The coalition also recalled her contributions to public service, including her appointments as Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform and General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State, as well as her extensive service within the Nigerian Bar Association. It cited her leadership of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, her involvement in several national committees and her membership of the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration as evidence of a career defined by institutional service and professional excellence.
For Womanifesto, the significance of the election extends beyond the legal profession. It comes at a time when women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across political, professional and governance institutions in Nigeria, despite growing calls for greater inclusion.
The coalition argued that Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence demonstrates what is possible when democratic institutions uphold credibility and merit takes precedence over entrenched barriers.
“Her election demonstrates that when barriers are dismantled and democratic processes remain credible, capable women can emerge to lead major national institutions,” the statement noted.
Womanifesto expressed optimism that the historic victory would encourage more women and girls to aspire to leadership while challenging institutions across the country to strengthen their commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and merit-based advancement.
The coalition also voiced confidence in Badejo-Okusanya’s ability to provide purposeful leadership for the Bar, expressing the hope that her administration would strengthen the rule of law, defend constitutional democracy, expand access to justice, uphold professional ethics and pursue reforms that would benefit both the legal profession and the wider Nigerian society.
It further commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association for conducting a democratic electoral process that produced what it described as “a leader with proven competence and an outstanding record of service.”
According to Womanifesto, transparent elections within professional associations reinforce public confidence in institutions and underscore the importance of credible democratic processes in strengthening governance.
The coalition said the NBA election should also serve as an important national lesson at a time when Nigeria continues to advocate greater representation of women in political, professional and public leadership.
“Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s election reminds us that women’s leadership is not merely symbolic; it is essential to building stronger institutions, advancing inclusive democracy and promoting sustainable national development,” the coalition stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing women’s political participation, leadership and gender equality, Womanifesto wished the NBA President-elect a successful and transformative tenure, expressing confidence that her leadership would leave a lasting imprint on both the legal profession and the country’s democratic development.
