President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), on her historic election.
His congratulatory message was conveyed on Tuesday night in a statement shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) was declared the winner of the election, which was concluded on 19 July, by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), Chief Aham Ejelam (SAN).
She secured a total of 12,317 votes to beat her closest challengers, Lateef Akangbe (SAN) and Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), who garnered 7,934 and 5,855 votes, respectively.
Speaking on the NBA election, President Tinubu described Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as a watershed in the legal profession and a triumph for merit, excellence, and gender inclusion.
He also noted that the new NBA President’s remarkable career is distinguished by integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice, which have earned her the confidence of her colleagues across the country.
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He affirmed that her emergence reflects the growing recognition of women’s invaluable contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice. He expressed confidence that her leadership will further strengthen the legal profession by upholding the rule of law and promoting reforms that enhance access to justice for all Nigerians.
Tinubu also urged Badejo-Okusanya to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, protect the sanctity of the Constitution, and sustain the legal profession’s role as a vital pillar of a democratic society.
He further wished her a successful tenure and assured her of his administration’s continued commitment to working with the Nigerian Bar Association to deepen democratic governance, promote justice, and build a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
The President said:
”I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any height in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service.
”I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the bar, and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election.
”I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large.”