Meet Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, the Woman Set to Lead Nigeria's Bar Association

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has made history by becoming the 33rd President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association, marking a significant milestone in the country's legal landscape.

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Her victory is also notable for being only the second time a woman has led the association since its establishment 66 years ago, following in the footsteps of Priscilla Kuye, who held the position from 1991 to 1992.

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Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the NBA's electronic election, defeating fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro.

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With a strong academic foundation, Badejo-Okusanya earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Lagos, before pursuing a degree in Law at the same institution, laying the groundwork for a distinguished legal career.

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She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002, and began her legal practice at the prestigious commercial law firm Olaniwun Ajayi LP, where she gained experience in litigation and commercial legal practice.

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A significant turning point in her career came in 2007, when she was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform to then Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, working closely with Olasupo Shasore, the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

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Her contributions to justice sector reforms in Lagos State were substantial, and in 2017, she became a founding partner of Africa Law Practice NG & Co., where she currently serves as Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice.

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The firm has since grown into one of Nigeria's leading commercial law firms, with affiliations across Africa, a testament to her exceptional leadership and legal expertise.

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On September 29, 2025, Badejo-Okusanya was conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the highest honours in the Nigerian legal profession, in recognition of her excellence in legal practice.

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Beyond her courtroom practice, Badejo-Okusanya has built an impressive record within the NBA, serving in various capacities, including Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch and member of several national committees.

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Her dedication to the association earned her co-option into the NBA National Executive Council in 2022, and she received the NBA Presidential Medal of Service in August 2024, in recognition of her outstanding service.

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As an accomplished arbitration practitioner, Badejo-Okusanya holds memberships in several respected international organisations, including the London Court of International Arbitration, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, and the International Bar Association.

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She also serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration, further solidifying her position as a leading figure in the legal profession.

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With her election, Badejo-Okusanya is now set to succeed Afam Osigwe as NBA president, and is expected to be inaugurated alongside other newly elected national officers during the association's Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt later this month.

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Her emergence as the new president is widely seen as a significant milestone for gender representation within the legal profession, and places her at the forefront of shaping the future direction of Nigeria's largest professional association.