Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has made a strong promise to lawyers as she begins her tenure as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
According to Daily Post, Badejo-Okusanya vowed to leave the association stronger than she found it after taking over from her predecessor, Afam Osigwe, SAN. She made the commitment after her inauguration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Her assumption of office marks a major moment for the NBA. She is the 33rd president of the association and the first woman to win the presidency through a direct election.
Badejo-Okusanya became the second woman to lead the NBA. Dame Priscilla Kuye previously held the position between 1991 and 1992. The new NBA president reflected on her journey in the legal profession during her inaugural address.
She recalled attending her first NBA Annual General Conference 24 years ago as a newly called lawyer. At the time, she watched the leadership of the association pass from one president to another.
Twenty-four years later, she returned to the same association as its president. Badejo-Okusanya said she accepted the responsibility with gratitude and humility. She also acknowledged the confidence members placed in her through the election.
However, she stressed that her administration would focus on delivering results rather than simply making history. “I did not seek this office simply to make history. I sought it to make a difference,” she said.
She described her mandate as a trust that must be handled with responsibility. Badejo-Okusanya also extended an olive branch to lawyers who supported other candidates during the election. She said she would serve as president for every member of the NBA, regardless of how they voted.
The new president outlined an ambitious vision for the association. She wants to build what she described as a bolder Nigerian Bar. Her administration is expected to focus strongly on lawyers’ welfare, economic security and professional development.
She also pledged to ensure that members feel represented and supported. In addition, Badejo-Okusanya promised to strengthen the NBA’s voice on issues affecting the country.
She said the association would speak truth to power and defend judicial independence. However, she also stressed the need for accountability within the justice system. The new NBA leadership also plans to demand greater efficiency from institutions responsible for administering justice.
Badejo-Okusanya said the NBA would engage government constructively when necessary. However, she insisted that the association would remain independent. She also warned against conduct that could damage the reputation of lawyers.
Her administration is expected to take a stronger position against abusive exchanges among lawyers on social media. She said professional disagreements should not become personal attacks.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious in the NBA’s July election after securing 12,317 votes. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, came second with 7,934 votes. Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, finished third with 5,855 votes.
Her election ended a closely watched contest and ushered in a new leadership era for the association. Now that she has formally assumed office, attention will turn to how she delivers on her promises.
For Badejo-Okusanya, however, the goal appears clear. She wants lawyers to look back at her tenure and see an NBA that became bolder, more responsive and more supportive of its members.
Above all, she wants to hand over an association that is stronger than the one she inherited.
Elom Fortunate Chiemerie is junior staff at modern crux that covers news on international politics, sports news and entertainment News
