Former Minister of Education and governance advocate, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has endorsed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya in the race for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her as a principled leader with the capacity to reposition the legal profession.
The endorsement adds momentum to Badejo-Okusanya’s campaign ahead of the NBA presidential election and comes amid growing support from influential figures within and outside the legal community.
In a statement and message shared on her verified social media account, Ezekwesili praised the senior lawyer’s experience, courage and commitment to professional values, saying her leadership credentials align with the urgent priorities facing the Bar.
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“I am delighted to see that the brilliant and amazing Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, is running for NBA President,” Ezekwesili said.
She noted that Badejo-Okusanya has consistently championed issues relating to professional ethics, arbitration, governance reforms and the welfare of younger lawyers.
“Her engagements frequently focus on professional ethics, arbitration, governance, and improving conditions for young lawyers. These are the ideals the Bar needs at this moment, and she rightly represents them,” she added.
The endorsement comes days after House on the Rock Founder and Senior Pastor, Paul Adefarasin, publicly backed Badejo-Okusanya’s candidacy.
Adefarasin described her as a legal practitioner whose professional accomplishments are matched by integrity and commitment to nation-building.
“My family and I have had the privilege of knowing her and her family over many years, and we have consistently seen a life marked by excellence, professionalism, and a deep concern for the advancement of our nation,” he said.
He added that justice remains central to social stability and development, stressing that character should rank alongside credentials in choosing the NBA’s next president.
“As the Nigerian Bar Association prepares to elect its next President, I believe it is important to pay attention not only to credentials and accomplishments, but also to character. In Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, many have seen both,” Adefarasin stated.
Born on January 15, 1967, Badejo-Okusanya has built a career spanning public service, legal scholarship and private practice.
She attended the University of Lagos Staff School before proceeding to Federal Government College, Jos. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Lagos in 1987 and later obtained a law degree from the institution in 2000.
She was called to the Nigerian Bar on May 14, 2002.
In 2011, she was appointed General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State during the administration of former governor Babatunde Fashola, where she played a role in developing the Lagos State Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme.
She returned to private legal practice in 2015 and has remained active in legal advocacy, arbitration and professional development.
Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, Badejo-Okusanya is seeking to make history as the first woman to lead the Nigerian Bar Association.
Her emergence would mark a significant milestone for the legal profession and continue a family tradition of trailblazing leadership, as her mother served as the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos.
With endorsements from prominent voices such as Ezekwesili and Adefarasin, attention is expected to intensify around her campaign as the NBA prepares to elect its next president.
