Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya made history in 2026 when she was elected as the first female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) since the association was founded in 1933. Her victory marked a landmark moment for Nigeria’s legal profession, ending more than nine decades of exclusively male elected leadership of the NBA and opening a new chapter for one of the country’s most influential professional bodies.
Popularly known as Mrs B Bold, Badejo-Okusanya has spent more than two decades building a distinguished career in litigation, arbitration, public policy and justice sector reform. Long before becoming NBA President, she had established herself as one of Nigeria’s leading legal practitioners, earned the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and led several initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s justice system.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s Early Life and Education
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya was born on January 15, 1967, into a family deeply rooted in education and public service.
Her father, Professor Folabi Olumide, was a renowned surgeon and the first Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, while her mother, Folasade Olumide, made history as the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos and her sister Jumoke Oduwole is currently the Nigerian Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments.
She attended the University of Lagos Staff School and Federal Government College, Jos, before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Lagos.
Although she initially pursued a career outside law, she later returned to the University of Lagos to study law. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on May 14, 2002, beginning a legal journey that would eventually place her among Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s Legal Career
Badejo-Okusanya began her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, where she specialised in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
She later joined Africa Law Practice NG & Co. (ALP NG & Co.), becoming a Partner and Co-Head of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice.
Her expertise spans commercial litigation, domestic and international arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution. She has advised businesses, government institutions and international organisations while earning recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading arbitration practitioners.
Her commitment to public service also took her into government, where she served as Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform and General Counsel to former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. During that period, she contributed to justice sector reforms, consumer protection initiatives, public-private partnerships and the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS).
In 2025, her contributions to the legal profession earned her elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the highest honours for legal practitioners in the country.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s Historic NBA Presidency
In 2026, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya reached the most significant milestone of her career when members of the Nigerian Bar Association elected her as the association’s first female President.
Her election was widely celebrated across Nigeria’s legal community and beyond because although there has previously been a female NBA president, this is the first elected female to that position in the 90 years of the existence of the NBA. Many lawyers described the moment as a victory for merit, inclusion and the growing role of women in leadership.
Before her election, Badejo-Okusanya had already demonstrated her leadership within the association by chairing the NBA’s 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee. She led the first all-female committee to organise the conference, delivering one of the largest and most successful editions in the association’s history.
As NBA President, she has pledged to strengthen the rule of law, improve the welfare of lawyers, expand professional development opportunities for young practitioners, promote judicial reforms and protect the independence of the legal profession.
Her election has also inspired many young women pursuing careers in law, proving that leadership at the highest level of the profession is attainable through competence, integrity and service.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya’s Family and Legacy
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya is married to Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, a respected public relations practitioner and former President of the African Public Relations Association. Together, they have a son.
She is also a dedicated member of the Methodist Church Nigeria, where she serves as a chorister and church steward. In recognition of her contributions to society, she holds the traditional title of Erelu B’obakede of Oke-Ona, Ogun State.
Today, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya stands among Nigeria’s most influential legal professionals. Her journey from an English graduate to Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first female President of the Nigerian Bar Association reflects decades of dedication, excellence and public service. Through her leadership, she continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s legal profession while inspiring the next generation of lawyers, particularly women aspiring to lead.
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