Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro, has called on the president-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, to make reconciliation and unity the cornerstone of her administration as she prepares to lead the country’s legal body.
Pinheiro, in a congratulatory message following Badejo-Okusanya’s landmark victory, described her election as a significant moment for both the NBA and the Nigerian legal profession. He, however, noted that she would be assuming office at a time when the association is grappling with deep internal divisions that require urgent attention.
According to the senior lawyer, the NBA is currently divided along generational, ideological and personal lines, warning that such fractures could weaken the association’s influence if left unresolved. He stressed that restoring unity is essential for the NBA to effectively defend the rule of law, protect lawyers’ welfare and maintain its role as a credible voice on issues of justice, democracy and good governance.
His appeal comes after Badejo-Okusanya emerged as the first woman to be directly elected president of the NBA. She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the valid ballots cast, defeating fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro.
Following the announcement of the results, Badejo-Okusanya pledged to build a stronger and more inclusive Bar. She thanked members for their confidence in her vision, promising to lead with integrity, fairness, accountability and courage while prioritising the welfare and professional development of lawyers across the country.
Despite her victory, the election was overshadowed by controversy. Runner-up Lateef Akangbe rejected the outcome, alleging widespread technical failures, irregularities in the electronic voting process and inadequate preparation by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA). He called for an independent forensic audit and announced plans to explore legal options.
Outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe defended the credibility of the election, explaining that although the voting process suffered a cyberattack and technical disruptions, the challenges were successfully managed without compromising the integrity of the poll. He urged lawyers to put the contest behind them and support the incoming leadership.
Reiterating his message, Pinheiro encouraged Badejo-Okusanya to use her administration to heal divisions created by the election and bridge long-standing differences within the association. He expressed confidence that her leadership style, experience and temperament would help strengthen the NBA and restore its unity and influence.
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks a historic milestone in the NBA’s 66-year history. While Priscilla Kuye became the association’s first female president in 1991 by succession, Badejo-Okusanya is the first woman to be elected directly by the association’s members. She is expected to be sworn in as the NBA’s 33rd president during the Annual General Conference scheduled for August in Port Harcourt.
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