The Orashi National Congress, ONC, and the Southern Youths Foundation of Nigeria, SYF, have extended heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb, SAN, on her election and swearing-in as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
The two organizations also congratulated the newly elected national officers and representatives of the Association following the 2026 NBA Elections, and wished them a successful tenure in service to the Bar, the justice system and the nation.
Describing the election as historic, the groups said Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence is a significant milestone for the Nigerian legal profession and a welcome advancement for women in leadership.
“As the first woman to lead the NBA in 35 years and the first elected female President of one of the largest and most influential bar associations in Africa, her election is historic and a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond,” the statement read.
The ONC and SYF also commended the strong representation of women in the new NBA leadership, noting that six of the ten members of the new NBA National Executive Council are women.
They observed that her emergence comes at a significant moment for the profession, with women now holding prominent leadership positions across the Bench, the Bar and legal education.
The organizations expressed particular encouragement at Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s stated vision of a “bolder, inclusive, innovative and respected Bar” that works for every lawyer and reclaims its space as a credible voice for justice, democracy and the rule of law.
Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, President General of the Orashi National Congress, congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya and expressed confidence in her leadership of the NBA.
He particularly welcomed her stated position that “the NBA must engage constructively with government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector while remaining firmly committed to its principles.”
The ONC and SYF reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement with the NBA on issues of legal and institutional reform.
The leadership of both SYF and ONC also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and his National Executive Council for their service over the past two years.
The ONC wished Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya and the new leadership of the NBA a successful and impactful tenure.