Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro, has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo‑Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the first female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her victory as a landmark moment in the Association’s history.
Badejo‑Okusanya, the only female among three presidential contenders, secured 12,317 votes (47.18%) out of 26,106 ballots cast in the electronic election held over a 24‑hour period. She defeated Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes (30.39%), and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who garnered 5,855 votes (22.43%). Overall, 26,184 lawyers participated, representing a turnout of 31.86% of the NBA’s 82,172 registered voters.
In his congratulatory message, Pinheiro hailed Badejo‑Okusanya’s emergence as a reflection of members’ confidence in her vision, leadership, and commitment to the Bar. He expressed optimism that she would bring excellence, inclusiveness, and bold leadership to the office.
Pinheiro, however, emphasised that her foremost challenge is to heal divisions within the Association. He noted that the Bar is currently polarised along generational, ideological, and personal lines, and urged the President‑elect to prioritise rebuilding trust and fostering unity.“
A united NBA will be better positioned to defend the rule of law, promote lawyers’ welfare, and serve as a stronger voice for justice and good governance in Nigeria,” he stated.
He pledged his support for the incoming administration, assuring Badejo‑Okusanya of his readiness to contribute to building “a bolder, more united and more effective Nigerian Bar Association.”
Pinheiro concluded by expressing confidence that her tenure would usher in a new era of unity, inclusiveness, and purposeful leadership for the Bar.
... Pinheiro Congratulates Badejo‑Okusanya on Historic NBA Presidency, Urges Unity as Cornerstone of her Administration ... Naijaonpoint.