Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are set to contest the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as members of the legal profession prepare to elect new national officers on July 18.
The keenly anticipated election will see Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Lateef Akangbe and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya compete to succeed the incumbent NBA President, Afam Osigwe.
The trio emerged as the only candidates cleared by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to contest the association’s highest office.
The election comes amid controversy over an alleged attempt to postpone the exercise following reports of recommendations from a mediation meeting convened by the Attorney General of the Federation. The purported recommendations reportedly proposed suspending the election, dissolving the ECNBA and introducing fresh electoral reforms.
However, both the NBA and the electoral committee have rejected the reports, insisting that only the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) has the authority to postpone the polls. They have maintained that the election will proceed as scheduled on July 18.
Speaking on the development, Osigwe distanced himself from the contest, stressing that he would not endorse any of the candidates despite all three seeking his support.
“I have absolutely nothing to do with the electoral process. Whether I have a favourite or not is immaterial. The three persons running for office each approached me to support them, but I am not supporting any person,” he said.
Akinboro campaigns on reforms and members’ welfare
Akinboro, a Life Bencher and principal partner at Akinboro & Co., was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 after graduating from Lagos State University.
He previously served as the NBA’s General Secretary between 2010 and 2012 and has also held leadership positions as Secretary and Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch.
His campaign promises focus on institutional reforms, lawyers’ welfare, mentorship, inclusion and strengthening the rule of law.
Although he opted out of the official presidential debate, Akinboro described the election as crucial to the future of the legal profession.
“This election is about the soul of our profession and the future we are building together. I remain committed to a Bar that is member-centred, welfare-driven and truly inclusive,” he said.
Akangbe promises digital transformation, institutional reforms
Akangbe, Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, was called to the Bar in 2003 after studying at the Universities of Wolverhampton, Westminster and South Wales in the United Kingdom.
A former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch and Chairman of the NBA Finance Committee, Akangbe is campaigning on a five-point agenda known as I-DARE, which focuses on institutional reforms, digital transformation, improved remuneration, judicial independence and lawyers’ welfare.
His proposals include implementing long-standing reform reports on the NBA Secretariat, creating a unified digital platform known as NBA One, enforcing the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, expanding life insurance for lawyers and providing free legal research resources for young practitioners.
He has also criticised the rescheduling of the election timetable and the format of the presidential debate, arguing that lawyers deserve more robust engagement among contestants.
Badejo-Okunsanya seeks ‘Bolder Bar’
Badejo-Okunsanya, the only female candidate in the race, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025.
She studied English and Law at the University of Lagos before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002 and is currently a Partner and Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at ALP NG & Co.
She has previously served as Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch, a co-opted member of the NBA National Executive Council and Chair of the 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee.
Campaigning under the slogan “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” Badejo-Okunsanya has pledged to prioritise lawyers’ welfare, strengthen NBA branches, promote professional development and improve accountability within the association.
“The Nigerian Bar Association exists to serve its members. Every policy, programme and decision must be guided by one question: How does this improve the lives and careers of lawyers?” she said.
As the election draws closer, the NBA has reiterated that it remains an independent professional body and is not subject to the control of the Federal Government, insisting that the July 18 poll will be conducted as scheduled under the supervision of the ECNBA.
Advertisement