Newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has pledged to lead the association with fairness, accountability and transparency, while calling on lawyers across the country to close ranks and work together for a stronger Bar.
In her first address after emerging victorious in the NBA presidential election on Sunday, Badejo-Okusanya, who defeated two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), thanked members for the confidence reposed in her and described her victory as a mandate for every lawyer who believes in a more inclusive and responsive NBA.
“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President,” she said.
The newly elected NBA president said her administration would be guided by the expectations and aspirations of lawyers gathered during her nationwide campaign, where she visited every state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She noted that the extensive consultations with members provided valuable insight into the challenges facing legal practitioners and would shape the policies of her administration.
Badejo-Okusanya also extended an olive branch to lawyers who supported her opponents, insisting that the election was over and that all members must now unite to strengthen the legal profession and defend justice and the rule of law.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who participated in this election, regardless of the candidate you supported. The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she stated.
She thanked supporters for standing by her throughout the campaign, saying the victory reflected a collective determination to build an NBA that works for every lawyer in the country.
