Natasha celebrates Badejo-Okusanya’s historic emergence as NBA President, says victory inspires women

Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) on her historic emergence as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for women in leadership and the Nigerian legal profession.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Badejo-Okusanya’s victory represents more than an individual accomplishment, noting that it demonstrates the power of competence, excellence, resilience and integrity in breaking longstanding barriers in leadership positions.

Badejo-Okusanya was declared winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election after defeating two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria to become the first woman to be elected President of the association since its establishment.

The newly elected NBA president polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, to defeat Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), who scored 7,934 votes, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) came third with 5,855 votes.

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In a congratulatory message, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the emergence of Badejo-Okusanya sends a powerful message to Nigerian women and girls that leadership opportunities are achievable regardless of gender.

She stated that the milestone would encourage more women to aspire to leadership roles and participate actively in shaping professional institutions and national development.

According to the senator, Badejo-Okusanya’s victory proves that barriers that existed for generations can be overcome through dedication, capacity and commitment to excellence.

She expressed confidence that the NBA’s new president would provide visionary leadership, strengthen the legal profession and uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law during her tenure.

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Badejo-Okusanya’s election also marks a significant moment in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association as she becomes only the second woman to lead the association, following Dame Priscilla Kuye, who served as NBA president between 1991 and 1992.

However, unlike Kuye’s emergence, Badejo-Okusanya attained the position through a direct electoral process, making her the first elected female president of the association.

The election, conducted electronically, recorded 26,106 votes in the presidential race, with Badejo-Okusanya securing victory after a keenly contested process involving three Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

She is expected to serve a two-year tenure from 2026 to 2028, alongside other elected national officers of the association.

Before her election, Badejo-Okusanya had built a distinguished legal career, having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002 and attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, one of the highest honours in the country’s legal profession.

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She is also a founding partner of Africa Law Practice NG & Company, where she serves as Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, while celebrating the achievement, urged the new NBA president to use her tenure to advance justice, strengthen the legal profession and inspire a new generation of women to pursue leadership opportunities.

She concluded by wishing Badejo-Okusanya a successful tenure and describing her emergence as a proud moment for Nigerian women and the country at large.

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