Newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has pledged to lead the association with fairness, transparency and accountability while calling on lawyers across the country to unite behind a common vision for the legal profession.
Badejo-Okusanya made the commitment on Sunday in her first address after emerging victorious in the NBA presidential election, where she defeated two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria to become the association’s new leader.
Expressing appreciation to members for the trust placed in her, she described her election as a victory for every lawyer who believes the NBA can become stronger, more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of its members.
“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 senior lawyer also thanked those who supported her campaign, noting that the election reflected a collective desire to build an association that serves every legal practitioner, regardless of background or affiliation.
She revealed that her campaign took her to all parts of the country, giving her the opportunity to engage directly with lawyers in every state and the Federal Capital Territory.
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According to her, those interactions provided valuable insight into the expectations, challenges and aspirations of members, which will guide the priorities of her administration.
Badejo-Okusanya extended an olive branch to lawyers who voted for other candidates, stressing that the election had ended and that the focus should now shift to strengthening the association.
“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 said.
She urged members to work together in promoting the ideals of justice, the rule of law and professional excellence, assuring them that her administration would be guided by integrity, inclusiveness and a commitment to the welfare of lawyers across the country.