The race to lead the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has entered its final stretch, with three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) vying to become the next president of the country’s foremost legal body.
The election, scheduled for July 18, will see legal practitioners across Nigeria choose a successor to the incumbent NBA President, Afam Osigwe, whose tenure is drawing to a close.
The contest is between Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Lateef Akangbe (SAN) and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN). The trio emerged as the only candidates cleared to contest the association’s highest office after the NBA Electoral Committee released the final list of qualified aspirants.
The build-up to the election has not been without controversy.
Recent reports suggested that a mediation meeting allegedly convened by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) recommended postponing the election, dissolving the NBA Electoral Committee and introducing reforms to the electoral process.
However, both the NBA leadership and the Electoral Committee dismissed the recommendations, insisting that only the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) has the constitutional authority to alter the election timetable.
Addressing concerns over the contest, Osigwe distanced himself from the race, maintaining that he would remain neutral throughout the process.
According to him, although each of the candidates sought his endorsement, he had deliberately chosen not to back any aspirant.
“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’m not supporting any person.”
Here are the three contestants battling for the NBA presidency.
Akinboro Promises Institutional Reforms
One of the frontrunners, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), is a Life Bencher and principal partner at Akinboro & Co. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 and has held several leadership positions within the NBA, including General Secretary between 2010 and 2012, as well as Secretary and Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch.
His campaign centres on improving lawyers’ welfare, strengthening mentorship programmes, promoting inclusiveness, reforming the association’s institutions and defending the rule of law.
Akinboro described the election as a defining moment for the legal profession.
“This election is about the soul of our profession and the future we are building together,” he stated.
Akangbe Campaigns On Five-Point Reform Agenda
Also seeking the presidency is Lateef Akangbe (SAN), the Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore.
Called to the Bar in 2003, Akangbe previously served as Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch.
His campaign is built around a five-point blueprint known as I-DARE, which focuses on institutional reforms, digital transformation, improved remuneration for lawyers, judicial independence and enhanced welfare.
According to him, the agenda is designed to deliver measurable reforms rather than campaign slogans.
“This is I-DARE. Five pillars. Specific commitments. Delivery timelines. Measurable outcomes. Not a theme. A programme,” he said.
Badejo-Okunsanya Eyes Historic Victory
The third contender, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN), is the only woman in the race and could become one of the few female presidents in the association’s history.
She was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025 and currently serves as Partner and Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at ALP NG & Co. She also chairs the planning committee for the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference.
Running on the campaign theme “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” Badejo-Okunsanya has pledged to build a more inclusive, service-oriented NBA with stronger branches, improved professional development opportunities, better welfare packages and greater accountability.
“I want to serve you. Together, we can build a BOLD Bar anchored on service, accountability, inclusion and results,” she said.
With voting day just days away, attention is now focused on which of the three seasoned legal practitioners will secure the mandate of NBA members and lead the association into its next chapter.
