Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) — Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Lateef Akangbe and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya — will slug it out for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) when lawyers nationwide elect new national officers on July 18.
The trio emerged as the only cleared candidates after the NBA Electoral Committee released its final list of qualified aspirants. The winner will succeed outgoing President Afam Osigwe.
The election proceeds despite controversy over a reported push to postpone it. A document tied to a mediation meeting convened by the Attorney General of the Federation had allegedly recommended suspending the poll and dissolving the Electoral Committee, among other reforms. The NBA and its Electoral Committee rejected the proposal, maintaining that only the association’s National Executive Council has the power to postpone the election.
Osigwe, speaking on Wednesday, denied backing any candidate. “I have absolutely nothing to do with the electoral process. So, whether I have favourite or not, it is immaterial. The three persons running for office each approached me to support them, but I’m not supporting any person,” he said.
Akinboro’s Agenda
Akinboro, a Life Bencher and principal partner at Akinboro & Co., was called to the Bar in 1991. He previously served as NBA General Secretary (2010–2012) and chaired the NBA Abuja Branch. His campaign centres on lawyers’ welfare, mentorship, inclusion, institutional reform and defence of the rule of law.
“This election is about the soul of our profession and the future we are building together,” he said.
Akangbe’s Reform Plan
Akangbe, Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, was called to the Bar in 2003 and previously chaired the NBA Lagos Branch. He is running on a five-point agenda tagged I-DARE, covering institutional reform, digital transformation, improved remuneration, judicial independence and welfare.
“This is I-DARE. Five pillars. Specific commitments. Delivery timelines. Measurable outcomes. Not a theme. A programme,” he said.
Badejo-Okunsanya’s Pledge
Badejo-Okunsanya, the only woman in the race, was elevated to SAN in 2025. She is a Partner and Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at ALP NG & Co. and chaired the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee. Running under the slogan “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” she has pledged a service-driven association built on welfare, stronger branches, professional development and accountability.
“I want to serve you. Together, we can build a BOLD Bar anchored on service, accountability, inclusion, and results,” she said.
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