Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has made history after emerging as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming only the second woman to lead the association and the first to be elected directly by its members
Here are eight quick facts about her:
1. History maker:
She is the first woman to be elected directly by NBA members as president, following Dame Priscilla Kuye, who became the association’s first female president through constitutional succession.
2. Strong academic background:
She studied Law at the University of Lagos, attended the Nigerian Law School, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London.
3. Arbitration expert:
She has held leadership positions in Nigeria’s arbitration sector and currently serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
ALSO READ: Ooni of Ife in Deep Sorrow Over Brother’s Death
4. Public service experience:
Between 2007 and 2015, she worked with the Lagos State Government, contributing to justice sector reforms and legal policy development.
5. Global legal presence:
She belongs to several respected legal organisations, including the International Bar Association (IBA), International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and other international bodies.
6. Internationally recognised:
Her memberships in organisations such as the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), African Arbitration Association, ArbitralWomen, FIDA, and AWLA highlight her influence in the global legal community.
7. Committed Christian:
Outside her legal career, she is an active member of the Methodist Church of Nigeria’s Emmanuel Chapel, Ikoyi, where she serves as a church steward and choir member.
8. Distinguished family background:
She is the daughter of the late Prof. Olufolabi Olumide, LASU’s first Vice-Chancellor, and Clara Folasade Olumide, the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos. Their legacy played a significant role in shaping her passion for leadership and service.