From English Literature to NBA President: 10 things you probably didn’t know about Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

1. She didn’t set out to become a lawyer

Unlike many lawyers who studied law from the onset, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya first studied English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) before returning to the same institution to read Law, earning her LL.B. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.

2. She has made history—twice

Her election as the NBA’s 33rd president makes her the second woman to lead the association since its establishment in 1933, after Dame Priscilla Kuye. But there’s another distinction: she is the first woman to win the office through a competitive election, rather than emerging by consensus.

3. She is fondly referred to as “Mrs. B”

Within the legal community, she is affectionately known as “Mrs. B.” The nickname reflects both her accessibility and her long-standing presence within the Bar, where she has mentored younger lawyers and served on numerous committees.

4. A heritage of excellence

Her parents are the late Professor Olufolabi Olumide, a renowned surgeon and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), and Clara Folasade Olumide, who made history as the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos. She is also the sister to Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of INDUSTRY, Trade and Investment.

5. Before running a law firm, she helped run justice in Lagos

Five years after being called to the Bar, she joined the Lagos State Government as Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform under Governor Babatunde Fashola. She later became the Governor’s General Counsel, advising on governance and legal policy during one of Lagos’ busiest periods of infrastructure and regulatory reforms. In 2017, co-founded Africa Law Practice NG & Company (ALP NG & Co.), where she now serves as Co-Head of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice.

6. Courtroom battles are only part of her story

Although she’s a seasoned litigator, colleagues say her greatest professional influence has been in arbitration. She has spent years helping shape dispute resolution in Nigeria, serving on the board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration and contributing to reforms of Nigeria’s arbitration framework.

7. She became a SAN just months before winning the NBA election

On September 29, 2025, she was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest distinction in the legal profession. Less than a year later, she was elected as the 33rd president of the NBA.

8. Her résumé stretches far beyond Nigeria

Badejo-Okusanya belongs to an impressive list of international legal and arbitration organisations, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the International Bar Association (IBA) and ArbitralWomen, a reflection of her standing within the global arbitration community.

9. Outside the courtroom, you’ll most likely find her… in a choir

Away from legal briefs and arbitration hearings, she worships at the Methodist Church of Nigeria’s Emmanuel Chapel, Ikoyi, where she serves as a church steward and is a member of the choir.

10. Her campaign slogan gives a clue to what comes next

She ran on the promise of “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.” During her nationwide campaign, she visited all 36 states and the FCT, promising to prioritise the welfare of legal practitioners, judicial independence, continuing legal education, digital transformation of the NBA and stronger mentorship for young lawyers.