The Womanifesto, a coalition of more than 300 women’s rights organisations and advocates, has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on her election as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a congratulatory message, Womanifesto Convener, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence through a keenly contested democratic process as a significant milestone for the legal profession and the advancement of women’s leadership in Nigeria.
The coalition said her victory demonstrated that competence, integrity, experience and visionary leadership remained key qualities for earning public trust and leading major institutions.
It noted that Badejo-Okusanya had built a distinguished legal career spanning more than two decades, with experience in litigation, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, justice sector reform and public policy.
“A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Partner and Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at ALP NG & Co., she has also served in key public service roles, including Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform and General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The coalition added that she had made significant contributions to the NBA through various leadership roles, including her position as Chair of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee. She also currently serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
Womanifesto said her election came at a time when Nigeria continued to face challenges over the underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.
The coalition said the development showed that when barriers were removed and democratic processes remained credible, capable women could rise to lead important national institutions.
“Womanifesto believes that this achievement will inspire more women and girls across Nigeria to pursue leadership with confidence, while encouraging institutions to deepen their commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and merit-based leadership,” it said.
The organisation expressed confidence that under Badejo-Okusanya’s leadership, the Nigerian Bar Association would continue to strengthen the rule of law, defend constitutional democracy, promote access to justice, uphold professional ethics and support reforms that would benefit the legal profession and Nigerians.
It also commended NBA members for conducting a democratic election that produced a leader with proven competence and a strong record of service, saying credible electoral processes were essential to strengthening public confidence in professional institutions.
“As Nigeria continues to advocate for greater representation of women across political, professional and governance spaces, the election of Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya serves as a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not symbolic — it is essential to national development, institutional excellence and inclusive democracy,” Womanifesto said.
The coalition, which is committed to promoting women’s political participation, leadership and gender equality in Nigeria, wished the NBA president-elect a successful and impactful tenure.
