Womanifesto, a movement of over 300 women rights organisations has described the election of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a landmark moment for women’s leadership in Nigeria, saying her emergence demonstrates that competence, experience and integrity remain the strongest credentials for leadership.
In a statement signed by its Convener Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, issued on Sunday, the women’s advocates congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her victory in the NBA’s national election, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for both the legal profession and the advancement of women in leadership.
According to Womanifesto, the election of Badejo-Okusanya through a competitive democratic process offers renewed hope for greater inclusion of women in leadership positions across professional bodies and public institutions.
The coalition noted that her emergence comes at a time when Nigeria continues to contend with the underrepresentation of women in decision-making spaces, stressing that her victory reinforces the need for institutions to embrace merit, equal opportunity and inclusive leadership.
“Her victory reaffirms that competence, integrity, experience and visionary leadership remain the strongest credentials for public trust and institutional leadership,” the statement said.
Womanifesto highlighted Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished legal career spanning more than two decades, noting her contributions to litigation, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, justice sector reform and public policy.
The coalition also acknowledged her leadership within the legal profession, including her service as Chair of the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference Planning Committee, as well as her role on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
It said her election should inspire more Nigerian women and girls to aspire to leadership while encouraging institutions to remove barriers that limit women’s participation in governance and decision-making.
The coalition expressed confidence that the NBA President-elect would strengthen the rule of law, promote access to justice, uphold professional ethics and advance reforms that would further enhance the legal profession and democratic governance.
Womanifesto further commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association for conducting a democratic election that produced a leader with an impressive record of professional service, noting that credible electoral processes remain critical to building strong institutions.
“As Nigeria continues to advocate for greater representation of women across political, professional and governance spaces, the election of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya serves as a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not symbolic but essential to national development, institutional excellence and inclusive democracy,” the coalition stated.
The group wished the President-elect a successful and impactful tenure, expressing optimism that her leadership would further strengthen the Nigerian Bar Association and inspire a new generation of women leaders across the country.
