By Seyi Gesinde
July 19, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has opened another historic chapter as Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, emerged winner of the association’s presidential election, becoming only the second woman to occupy the highest office in the history of Nigeria’s legal profession.
Her victory comes more than three decades after Dame Priscilla Olabori Kuye became the first female president of the NBA in 1991, breaking a major barrier and creating a pathway for future generations of women lawyers.
Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence therefore represents both a personal achievement and a continuation of a historic journey that began when Kuye shattered the first leadership barrier at the apex of the Nigerian Bar.
She secured 12,317 votes out of the 26,106 ballots cast, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes, defeating fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who also contested the presidency.
From Kuye’s breakthrough to Badejo-Okusanya’s moment
When Dame Priscilla Kuye became NBA president in 1991, her election marked a turning point in a profession where leadership positions had largely been occupied by men.
Her achievement demonstrated that women could rise to the highest levels of professional leadership within the legal community.
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Decades later, Badejo-Okusanya has added a new chapter to that story, becoming the second woman to lead the NBA and renewing conversations about representation, leadership and the evolving identity of Nigeria’s legal profession.
A victory beyond an election
The NBA presidency is one of the most influential positions within Nigeria’s professional landscape.
The association has historically played a major role in issues relating to justice reform, constitutional democracy, human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.
Badejo-Okusanya’s election comes with significant expectations from lawyers and stakeholders who will look to her administration to strengthen the profession and address longstanding challenges.
Among the issues likely to define her tenure are lawyers’ welfare, especially for young practitioners, professional development, access to justice, technology in legal practice and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
A competitive race for the Bar’s future
The election attracted strong interest because of the calibre of candidates involved.
Badejo-Okusanya was the only female candidate in the presidential contest, competing against two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro.
The electronic voting process experienced challenges, including technical issues that affected the exercise, but the process was eventually concluded with Badejo-Okusanya emerging as the winner.
The responsibility after the history
While her election has already secured her place in NBA history, the larger test begins with governance.
Badejo-Okusanya’s presidency will be judged not only by the symbolism of becoming the second woman to lead the association, but by the reforms, unity and professional progress her administration delivers.
From Kuye’s pioneering step in 1991 to Badejo-Okusanya’s historic victory, the story of women’s leadership at the NBA reflects a profession gradually expanding the boundaries of possibility.
Badejo-Okusanya has inherited a historic office.
The next chapter will be defined by the legacy she builds.
