The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as its next president after she secured the highest number of votes in the association’s election, which officially concluded on Sunday morning.
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, the only female among the three presidential candidates, polled 12,317 votes to emerge victorious in the election, which was conducted electronically over a 24-hour period.
She defeated her two challengers after securing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 votes cast in the presidential election.
Her closest rival, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, secured 7,934 votes, while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, polled 5,855 votes.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at seven things to know about the incoming NBA president.
1. Education
Badejo-Okusanya holds degrees in both English and Law from the University of Lagos. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English between 1983 and 1987 before returning to study Law, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 2000. She later attended the Nigerian Law School, where she obtained her Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) qualification in 2002.
2. Legal career
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria has built a legal career spanning more than two decades in litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). She specialises in domestic and international dispute resolution and has represented both private and government clients in commercial matters before trial and appellate courts across Nigeria. She has also handled complex arbitration in the utilities sector and international investment disputes.
3. Public service
Before returning to private practice, Badejo-Okusanya served in the Lagos State Government. She was Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Justice Sector Reform and Policy between 2007 and 2011 before serving as General Counsel to the Governor from 2011 to 2015. During her time in government, she worked on public-private partnerships, arbitration legislation, consumer protection and justice sector reforms.
4. Law firm leadership
Since May 2017, Badejo-Okusanya has been a partner at ALP NG & Co. Her practice covers litigation, arbitration, mediation, public policy and government relations. She is also recognised for her expertise in regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.
5. Arbitration and professional memberships
Badejo-Okusanya has played active roles in arbitration and legal organisations. She previously served on the Executive Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, and currently serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration. She is also a member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, ArbitralWomen, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
6. Mediation and dispute resolution expertise
An accredited Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) mediator, Badejo-Okusanya is recognised for her expertise in arbitration and ADR. She is frequently consulted on international arbitration matters and regulatory compliance, with experience across both domestic and international dispute resolution frameworks.
7. Historic victory
With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya became the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second woman to lead the association, after Priscilla Kuye, who served as NBA president from 1991 to 1992. She will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.
