The Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women’s rights organisations and advocates have congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Senior Advocate of Nigerian (SAN), on her historic election as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Convener, Womanifesto, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi in the congratulatory message said her emergence through a keenly contested democratic process is a significant milestone not only for the legal profession but also for the continued advancement of women’s leadership in Nigeria.
The statement stated that her victory reaffirms that competence, integrity, experience and visionary leadership remain the strongest credentials for public trust and institutional leadership
The coalition added that Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished legal career spans over two decades of excellence in litigation, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, justice sector reform and public policy.
‘A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Partner and Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at ALP NG & Co., she has also served in key public service roles, including Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform and General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State’, the statement stated.
‘She has made significant contributions to the Nigerian Bar Association through several leadership positions, including Chair of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, and currently serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
The bodies pointed out that her election comes at a critical time when Nigeria continues to grapple with the underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making, stressing that it demonstrates that when barriers are dismantled and democratic processes remain credible, capable women can emerge to lead major national institutions.
‘Womanifesto believes that this achievement will inspire more women and girls across Nigeria to pursue leadership with confidence, while encouraging institutions to deepen their commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and merit-based leadership’.
‘We are confident that under her stewardship, the Nigerian Bar Association will continue to strengthen the rule of law, defend constitutional democracy, promote access to justice, uphold professional ethics and advance reforms that benefit both the legal profession and the Nigerian people’.
‘We also commend members of the Nigerian Bar Association for conducting a democratic election that has produced a leader with proven competence and an outstanding record of service. Such processes reinforce public confidence in professional institutions and underscore the importance of credible elections in building stronger democratic governance’.
‘As Nigeria continues to advocate for greater representation of women across political, professional and governance spaces, the election of Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya serves as a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not symbolic—it is essential to national development, institutional excellence and inclusive democracy.’
Expressing commitment to advancing women’s political participation, leadership and gender equality in Nigeria, Womanifesto added that it wished the NBA president-elect a successful, impactful and transformative tenure as she assumes this important responsibility.
