Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are set to contest for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as lawyers across the country prepare to elect new national officers on July 18.
The race is between Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Lateef Akangbe, and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, who emerged as the only candidates cleared by the NBA Electoral Committee to contest for the association’s highest office.
The successful candidate will succeed the current NBA President, Afam Osigwe, at the end of the election.
The upcoming poll has attracted significant attention following reports of attempts to delay the election. A report linked to a mediation meeting allegedly convened by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) reportedly recommended postponing the election, dissolving the Electoral Committee, and introducing reforms to the electoral process.
However, the NBA leadership and its Electoral Committee dismissed the recommendations, maintaining that only the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) has the authority to postpone the election.
Speaking on Wednesday, Osigwe distanced himself from the contest, insisting he has no preferred candidate.
According to him, although all three aspirants sought his support, he has chosen to remain neutral and will not endorse any of them.
Akinboro Promises Welfare and Institutional Reforms
Olumuyiwa Akinboro, a Life Bencher and Principal Partner of Akinboro & Co., was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.
He previously served as NBA General Secretary between 2010 and 2012 and also held positions as Secretary and Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch.
His campaign is centred on improving lawyers’ welfare, mentorship, inclusion, institutional reforms, and defending the rule of law.
Akinboro described the election as a defining moment for the legal profession, saying it is about shaping the future of the Bar.
Akangbe Pushes Five-Point Reform Agenda
Lateef Akangbe, Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, was called to the Bar in 2003.
A former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, he is campaigning on a five-point programme known as I-DARE, which focuses on institutional reforms, digital transformation, better remuneration for lawyers, judicial independence, and improved welfare.
Akangbe said his campaign is built on practical commitments, clear timelines, and measurable outcomes rather than campaign slogans.
Badejo-Okunsanya Seeks Inclusive Leadership
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, the only female candidate in the race, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025.
She is a Partner and Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at ALP NG & Co. and currently chairs the Planning Committee for the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference.
Campaigning under the theme “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” Badejo-Okunsanya has pledged to build a more inclusive, accountable, and service-driven NBA by prioritising members’ welfare, strengthening branch activities, and promoting professional development.
She said her vision is to create a Bar anchored on service, accountability, inclusion, and tangible results.
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