House Hails Historic Election of First Female NBA President in 35 Years …Says Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence will deepen legal reforms, justice administration

The House of Representatives has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb, SAN, on her election and swearing-in as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal profession and women in leadership.

The House also congratulated the newly elected national officers and representatives of the NBA following the association’s 2026 elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., mnipr, the lawmakers said Badejo-Okusanya’s election was particularly significant because she is the first woman to lead the NBA in 35 years and the first elected female president of one of Africa’s largest and most influential bar associations.

The House described her emergence as a “beacon of inspiration” to women in the legal profession and beyond.

It further noted that women secured six of the 10 positions in the new NBA National Executive, describing the development as a strong representation of women at the highest level of the association.

According to the House, the development comes at a time when women are increasingly occupying prominent leadership positions across the Bench, Bar and legal education.

Badejo-Okusanya, an accomplished arbitrator and public policy professional with more than two decades of experience, also has experience in legislative engagement and public-private dialogue through her membership of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

The House said her professional background would be valuable as the NBA seeks to strengthen its role in legal and institutional development.

It also welcomed her stated vision of building a “bolder, inclusive, innovative and respected Bar” that works for every lawyer and reclaims its position as a credible voice for justice, democracy and the rule of law.

The lawmakers said the vision aligned with the need to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system and democratic institutions.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), congratulated Badejo-Okusanya and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the NBA effectively.

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), welcomed her election and commended her position that the NBA should engage constructively with government, civil society, development partners and the private sector while remaining committed to its core principles.

The House said such engagement would be important in addressing challenges within Nigeria’s justice system and advancing legal reforms.

It noted that the 10th Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, remains committed to Agenda 3: Law Reform of its Legislative Agenda.

The lawmakers said the House looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the NBA on legal and institutional reforms, justice administration and strengthening the rule of law.

The House also commended the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and members of his National Executive Council for their contributions to the association during the past two years.

The lawmakers wished Badejo-Okusanya and the new NBA leadership a successful and impactful tenure.