President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the first democratically elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her victory as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal profession and a testament to merit, excellence and gender inclusion.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence marked a watershed moment for the legal profession and reflected the growing recognition of the role of women in nation-building and the administration of justice.
Tinubu noted that the senior advocate’s distinguished career, characterised by integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice, earned her the confidence of lawyers across the country.
He expressed confidence that her leadership would strengthen the legal profession by upholding the rule of law and advancing reforms aimed at improving access to justice for all Nigerians.
The President also urged the incoming NBA president to work closely with stakeholders to promote judicial reforms, protect the sanctity of the Constitution and reinforce the legal profession’s role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
Congratulating Badejo-Okusanya on making history, Tinubu said her election demonstrated that Nigerian women could attain the highest levels of professional achievement in both the private and public sectors.
“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service,” the President said.
He also called on her to foster unity within the legal community following the election.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election.
“I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large,” Tinubu added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Bar Association to deepen democratic governance, promote justice and support reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions.
