Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria are set to battle for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association as lawyers across the country prepare to elect new national officers on July 18.
The presidential race pits Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Lateef Akangbe and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya against one another in an election expected to produce the successor to incumbent NBA President, Afam Osigwe.
The three SANs emerged as the only cleared candidates for the association’s top office after the Electoral Committee of the NBA published the final list of qualified candidates.
The election comes amid controversy over alleged attempts to postpone the exercise after a purported report linked to a mediation meeting convened by the Attorney General of the Federation recommended the suspension of the polls, dissolution of the Electoral Committee of the NBA and other electoral reforms.
However, the NBA and the Electoral Committee have rejected the purported recommendations, insisting that only the association’s National Executive Council can postpone the election and maintaining that voting will proceed on July 18.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Osigwe also distanced himself from the contest, saying he had no preferred candidate despite all three aspirants seeking his support.
“I have absolutely nothing to do with the electoral process. So, whether I have favourite or not, it is immaterial. The three persons running for office each approached me to support them, but I’m not supporting any person,” he said.
Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro
Akinboro, a Life Bencher and principal partner of Akinboro & Co., was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 after obtaining his law degree from Lagos State University.
He previously served as General Secretary of the NBA between 2010 and 2012 and also held office as Secretary and Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants and a Harvard-trained negotiator.
His campaign centres on rebuilding and repositioning the NBA through improved welfare, mentorship, inclusion, institutional reforms and the protection of the rule of law.
While announcing his decision to boycott the official presidential debate, Akinboro described the election as one that would shape the future of the legal profession.
“This election is about the soul of our profession and the future we are building together. I remain steadfast in my vision for a Bar that is member-centred, welfare-driven, and truly inclusive. I am still here, I am still listening, and I am still fighting for the Bar we all deserve,” he said.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe
Akangbe is the Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 after earning degrees from the University of Wolverhampton, the University of Westminster and the University of South Wales.
A former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, he also served as Chairman of the NBA Finance Committee and is a member of the Body of Benchers.
His campaign is anchored on a five-point reform agenda tagged I-DARE, focusing on institutional reforms, digital transformation, improved remuneration, judicial independence and lawyers’ welfare.
Among his proposals are the implementation of long-standing reform reports on the NBA Secretariat, a unified digital platform known as NBA One, enforcement of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, improved life insurance for lawyers and free access to legal research materials for young lawyers.
Explaining his vision, Akangbe said, “The LOA programme for the NBA 2026 to 2028 is structured around five interconnected pillars, organised under the acronym I-DARE… This is I-DARE. Five pillars. Specific commitments. Delivery timelines. Measurable outcomes. Not a theme. A programme.”
He has also protested the rescheduling of the election date and criticised the debate format, arguing that lawyers deserve a more robust engagement among candidates.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya
Badejo-Okunsanya, the only female candidate in the race, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025.
She studied English and Law at the University of Lagos before being called to the Bar in 2002.
She is a Partner and Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at ALP NG & Co., specialising in commercial litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. She also serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
Her service within the NBA includes roles as Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch, Co-opted Member of the National Executive Council and Chair of the 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee.
Campaigning under the slogan, “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone,” she has pledged to build a service-driven association centred on lawyers’ welfare, stronger branches, professional development and accountability.
“The Nigerian Bar Association exists to serve its members. Every policy, every programme, and every decision must be guided by one question: How does this improve the lives and careers of lawyers?
“I want to serve you. Together, we can build a BOLD Bar anchored on service, accountability, inclusion, and results. A Bar that works. A Bar that serves. A Bar for all,” she said.
The association maintained that it is an independent professional body not subject to the control of the Federal Government and declared that the July 18 election would proceed as scheduled under the supervision of the Electoral Committee of the NBA.
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