Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has been elected the 33rd president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming the latest person to lead the country's largest body of lawyers.
The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association announced that Badejo-Okusanya defeated two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, in the association's national election.
She polled 4,860 votes, ahead of Akangbe's 3,851 votes and Akinboro's 2,924 votes.
In her acceptance message, Badejo-Okusanya thanked lawyers across Nigeria for their support and pledged to serve the association with integrity.
"I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have reposed in me," she said.
"This victory is not mine alone.
"It belongs to every member who believes in a stronger, more united and forward-looking Nigerian Bar Association."
She also promised to work with all members, including those who supported other candidates.
"We must now come together as one Bar, united by our shared commitment to justice, the rule of law and the advancement of our profession," she said.
The election followed weeks of debate over the credibility of the voting process, with some candidates and lawyers raising concerns about the conduct of the poll.
NBA President Afam Osigwe denied allegations that he interfered in the election, insisting that the Electoral Committee operated independently.
Badejo-Okusanya will succeed Afam Osigwe as NBA president and is expected to lead the association for the next two years.
She has pledged to strengthen the legal profession, promote ethical practice and improve the welfare of lawyers across Nigeria.
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