Bar Leader, Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson has felicitated with Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN on her victory at the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Election.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the former NBA Second Vice President, described Badejo-Okusanya’s victory as a “historic outcome,” adding that it “marks a defining moment for our noble profession.”

Perhaps in veiled reference to her sacrifice and sensational exit from the presidential race to back the candidacy of Badejo-Okusanya and potentially deliver bulk female votes, the fiery Law teacher wrote: “On a deeply personal note, given my commitment to the Bar and my profound interest in supporting female lawyers, and every noble colleague, this resounding victory carries immense meaning. In the journey leading up to this moment, there were unfair characterizations and unnecessary vitriol. However, the definitive truth of the ballot box has answered those challenges completely. The results have decisively dispelled the insults. Today, we look past the noise of the campaign trail, vindicated by a mandate rooted in competence and trust.”

Below is the full text of her statement.

A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and Purpose

Dear Learned Silks, Benchers, Professors, and Distinguished Colleagues,

The historic outcome of the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association elections marks a defining moment for our noble profession. I am writing to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to every one of you who stood firm, believed in the vision, and cast your votes for Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN. She has been returned as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, making her the first female to be elected to the office. We fondly recall that Mrs. Priscilla Kuye paved the way in 1992, ascending to the presidency from her role as 1st Vice President when the position became vacant. Her stellar leadership remains greatly celebrated.

Your dedication and unwavering support have ushered in a groundbreaking chapter for the NBA. Through your votes, you did not just elect a leader; you chose progress, equity, and a forwardlooking, BOLD Bar.

On a deeply personal note, given my commitment to the Bar and my profound interest in supporting female lawyers, and every noble colleague, this resounding victory carries immense meaning. In the journey leading up to this moment, there were unfair characterizations and unnecessary vitriol. However, the definitive truth of the ballot box has answered those challenges completely. The results have decisively dispelled the insults. Today, we look past the noise of the campaign trail, vindicated by a mandate rooted in competence and trust.

The election is now behind us, and the true work begins. For the very first time in our history, the NBA will be led by an elected female President. To ensure the success of this administration, we must pivot from competition to collaboration.

I call upon every member of our great association—regardless of whom you supported during the campaigns—to extend your full cooperation, solidarity, and goodwill to our President-elect. Let us give her administration the seamless foundation it needs to thrive, execute its vision, and elevate the legal profession in Nigeria.

Thank you for your resilience, your trust, and your commitment to a greater Bar. Together, in unity, we will achieve success.

Yours in service,
PfDL
Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson