The election of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya as the next President of the Nigerian Bar Association has placed the accomplished legal practitioner in the spotlight, marking a significant moment in the history of Nigeria’s foremost legal body.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) emerged victorious in the NBA presidential election after securing 12,317 votes in a contest conducted electronically over 24 hours.
Her victory came after she garnered 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 votes cast, defeating fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who polled 7,934 and 5,855 votes respectively.
As she prepares to assume leadership of the association for a two-year term, her professional journey reflects decades of involvement in legal practice, public service, arbitration and institutional leadership.
Academic foundation
The educational path of Badejo-Okusanya reflects a multidisciplinary background that combines the humanities with legal studies.
She first attended the University of Lagos, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English between 1983 and 1987.
Several years later, she returned to the same institution to study law and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2000.
Her legal training continued at the Nigerian Law School, where she earned her Barrister-at-Law qualification in 2002.
More than two decades in legal practice
Over the years, Badejo-Okusanya has established herself as a prominent figure in litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Her practice spans domestic and international dispute resolution, with experience representing both private-sector organisations and government institutions in commercial matters.
She has appeared before trial and appellate courts in Nigeria and has also been involved in complex arbitration proceedings, including disputes relating to utilities and international investment matters.
Experience in public administration
Beyond private legal practice, Badejo-Okusanya has held strategic positions within government.
She served as senior special assistant to the governor on justice sector reform and policy in Lagos State between 2007 and 2011.
She later became general counsel to the governor, a position she occupied from 2011 until 2015.
Her work in public office included contributions to justice sector reforms, arbitration legislation, public-private partnership initiatives and consumer protection policies.
Leadership in private practice
Since May 2017, Badejo-Okusanya has served as a partner at ALP NG & Co, where she has continued to build her profile in legal practice.
Her professional responsibilities have covered litigation, mediation, arbitration, public policy and government relations.
She is also recognised for her work in dispute resolution and regulatory compliance across different sectors.
Strong presence in arbitration circles
Badejo-Okusanya’s influence extends beyond the courtroom into arbitration and professional legal organisations.
She previously served on the Executive Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch.
She currently serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration, one of the country’s leading alternative dispute resolution institutions.
Her professional affiliations also include membership of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, ArbitralWomen, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
Expertise in mediation and dispute resolution
A key aspect of her professional reputation is her extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
As an accredited Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution mediator, she has participated in a wide range of domestic and international arbitration matters.
Her expertise has made her a recognised voice in discussions relating to regulatory compliance, mediation and international commercial dispute resolution.
A place in NBA history
Badejo-Okusanya’s election represents a milestone for the legal profession in Nigeria.
By emerging victorious in the 2026 NBA election, she became the 33rd President of the association.
Her emergence also places her among a select group of women who have led the organisation.
She is only the second woman to occupy the position, following Priscilla Kuye, who served as NBA president between 1991 and 1992.
With her tenure scheduled to run from 2026 to 2028, legal practitioners and stakeholders will be watching closely as she assumes responsibility for steering the affairs of one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies.
Her journey from studying English and law at the University of Lagos to becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and president-elect of the NBA underscores a career shaped by legal scholarship, public service, institutional leadership and dispute resolution expertise.
