Badejo Okusanya’s emergence comes at an important time for the legal profession, with women occupying prominent leadership positions across the Bench, the Bar and legal education
By Mmesoma Onwuka
365Daily – The House of Representatives has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, SAN, on her election and swearing in as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a statement issued by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., on Tuesday, September 1 2026, the House also congratulated the newly elected national officers and representatives of the Association following the 2026 NBA elections.
The House described Badejo Okusanya’s emergence as a significant milestone for the Nigerian legal profession and a notable advancement for women in leadership.
According to the statement, she is the first woman to lead the NBA in 35 years and the first elected female president of one of Africa’s largest and most influential bar associations.
The House also commended the strong representation of women in the new NBA leadership, noting that six of the ten members of the Association’s new National Executive are women.
It said Badejo Okusanya’s emergence comes at an important time for the legal profession, with women occupying prominent leadership positions across the Bench, the Bar and legal education.
The House described the new NBA president as an accomplished arbitrator and public policy professional with more than two decades of experience, adding that her membership of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) has also given her valuable experience in legislative engagement and public private dialogue.
The House welcomed her stated vision of building a “bolder, inclusive, innovative and respected Bar” that works for every lawyer and reclaims its position as a credible voice for justice, democracy and the rule of law.
Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), congratulated Badejo Okusanya and expressed confidence in her leadership of the NBA.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), congratulated her and welcomed her position that the NBA should engage constructively with government, civil society, development partners and the private sector while remaining committed to its principles.
The House said that, in furtherance of Agenda 3 on Law Reform under the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda and the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, it remains committed to constructive engagement with the NBA on legal and institutional reform.
It also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and his National Executive Council over the past two years.
The House of Representatives wished Badejo Okusanya and the new leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association a successful and impactful tenure.