Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has publicly endorsed Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya in the race for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her as a leader equipped with the integrity, competence and vision needed to guide the legal profession into a new era.
The endorsement, announced in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, adds significant momentum to Badejo-Okusanya’s campaign as the NBA prepares to elect its next president.
Former Minister Praises Leadership and Professional Excellence
Explaining her support, Ezekwesili highlighted Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished legal career and her longstanding dedication to professional ethics, arbitration, good governance and the welfare of young legal practitioners.
She described the senior lawyer as an accomplished professional whose leadership style reflects the values the Nigerian legal community urgently requires.
Ezekwesili noted that Badejo-Okusanya has consistently championed reforms aimed at strengthening ethical standards within the profession while advocating for better opportunities and working conditions for younger members of the Bar.
Growing List of Influential Supporters
The endorsement comes shortly after the founder and senior pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, also declared his support for Badejo-Okusanya’s candidacy.
Adefarasin praised her character and professional accomplishments, saying he had known both her and her family for many years and had witnessed their commitment to excellence and national service.
According to him, the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association should be determined not only by experience and qualifications but also by integrity, which he believes Badejo-Okusanya possesses in abundance.
A Career Built on Public and Private Service
Badejo-Okusanya has built a legal career spanning decades across both government service and private practice.
After completing her primary education at the University of Lagos Staff School and her secondary education at Federal Government College, Jos, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Lagos in 1987.
She later returned to the same university to study law, graduating in 2000 before being called to the Nigerian Bar on May 14, 2002.
Key Role in Lagos Government
Her experience extends beyond courtroom practice into public administration.
In 2011, she was appointed General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
During her tenure, she contributed to the development of the Lagos State Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS), one of the state’s flagship housing initiatives.
She returned to private legal practice in 2015, where she has remained actively involved in legal advocacy and professional development.
Elevation to Senior Advocate Strengthened Her Profile
Another major milestone in her career came in September 2025 when she was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest honours available to legal practitioners in the country.
The recognition further cemented her standing within Nigeria’s legal community ahead of her decision to seek the NBA’s highest office.
Historic Opportunity for the Nigerian Bar
If successful in the forthcoming election, Badejo-Okusanya would become the first woman to serve as President of the Nigerian Bar Association since the organisation was established.
Her election would mark a significant milestone in the association’s history while also continuing a family tradition of breaking barriers.
Her mother previously made history by becoming the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos.
Supporters believe her candidacy represents an opportunity not only for inclusive leadership but also for renewed focus on ethics, institutional reforms and the welfare of legal practitioners across the country.
