Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to unite members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and build a more inclusive professional body following her election as the association’s President-elect.
Badejo-Okusanya made the commitment shortly after the Chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee, Chief Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced her as the winner of the association’s presidential election.
In a statement issued after the declaration of the results, the President-elect expressed gratitude to lawyers across the country for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the NBA, describing her victory as a mandate to build “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”
“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. Thank you for believing in our shared vision of A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” she said.
Badejo-Okusanya said the campaign period provided an opportunity to engage legal practitioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the concerns and aspirations expressed by members would shape the direction of her administration.
“I listened to your hopes, your concerns, your aspirations, and your ideas. Those conversations shaped this campaign, and they will continue to guide my leadership,” she stated.
Calling for unity after the keenly contested election, the President-elect urged members to put the contest behind them and work together to strengthen the association and uphold the legal profession.
“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 also congratulated the other contestants for their contributions to what she described as a credible democratic process, expressing her readiness to work with them in advancing the objectives of the NBA.
Badejo-Okusanya extended appreciation to members of her campaign team, volunteers, supporters, mentors, friends and family for their commitment throughout the electioneering process. She reserved special appreciation for her husband, whom she credited for his unwavering support throughout the campaign.
Setting out the priorities of her administration, the President-elect promised to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness and accountability while placing greater emphasis on the welfare and professional development of lawyers across the country.
She said her administration would pursue reforms aimed at improving the working conditions and earning capacity of legal practitioners, while ensuring that every member of the association has equal opportunities to thrive.
“Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better. The work begins now,” she said.
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Bar Association, as she prepares to assume leadership of one of the country’s most influential professional bodies at a time when issues relating to legal practice, judicial reform and the rule of law remain at the forefront of national discourse.
(The Sun)