10 things to know about Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, new NBA President

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, commercial litigator and dispute resolution specialist with decades of experience in arbitration, mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

She is renowned for representing corporate organisations, government agencies and private clients in complex commercial disputes before Nigerian courts and domestic and international arbitration tribunals.

A Partner and Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at Africa Law Practice (ALP), Badejo-Okusanya has built a reputation for excellence in commercial law and arbitration.

Her outstanding legal career reached another milestone in 2026 when she was elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming one of the few women to lead Nigeria’s foremost legal association.

Here are 10 key facts about her:

1. She is the 33rd NBA President

Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association presidential election, polling 12,317 votes to defeat her closest rival, Lateef Akangbe, SAN.

2. She is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria

She was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2025 in recognition of her exceptional contributions to legal practice.

3. She is a commercial litigation expert

She has represented corporate organisations, government institutions and private clients in high-profile commercial disputes before Nigerian courts and arbitration tribunals.

4. She specialises in arbitration and ADR

Her expertise spans arbitration, mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, with extensive experience in both domestic and international commercial disputes.

5. She is a Partner at Africa Law Practice

Badejo-Okusanya serves as Partner and Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at Africa Law Practice (ALP), where she leads complex litigation and arbitration matters.

6. She holds international dispute resolution credentials

She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and a certified mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

7. She has played key leadership roles

She chaired the Organising Committee of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) and has served on the Board of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria Branch).

8. She serves on the Lagos Court of Arbitration Board

She is a board member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration and regularly contributes to discussions on commercial law, arbitration and judicial reforms.

9. She belongs to leading legal organisations

She is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), ArbitralWomen, FIDA and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

10. She advocates for young lawyers

Badejo-Okusanya has consistently called for improved mentorship, professional training, better welfare and fair remuneration for young lawyers to strengthen Nigeria’s legal profession.

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