Uniting Divided Bar, Improving Lawyers’ Welfare My Priority – NBA President-Elect

The President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Olusanya (SAN), has identified unity within the legal profession and improved welfare for lawyers as the top priorities of her administration.

Badejo-Olusanya, who made history as the first woman elected through direct voting to lead the NBA, said many lawyers across the country expressed dissatisfaction with the association during her nationwide campaign.

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, she said restoring confidence among members would be her foremost task when she assumes office.

“The first one is to unite the Bar,” she said.

“It’s a very divided Bar right now and many members are dissatisfied.”

She said her administration would be guided by a “members-first” approach aimed at improving professional opportunities and welfare for lawyers.

According to her, the NBA must ensure that lawyers can “earn better, live better and practice better”.

The senior advocate also expressed concern over the challenges facing young lawyers, including poor remuneration, declining welfare and limited professional opportunities.

Beyond the welfare of legal practitioners, Badejo-Olusanya said the NBA would work to protect the image of both the legal profession and the judiciary.

She noted growing public concerns over access to justice and perceptions of judicial independence, adding that the association must take a more active role in defending the integrity of the justice system.

“For Nigerians, I want them to remember the NBA as one that took its responsibility to protect and promote the rule of law very seriously,” she said.

Badejo-Olusanya was elected the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second woman to lead the association since its establishment 93 years ago.