It’s Time To Heal’ — Pinheiro Challenges New NBA President To End Internal Crisis

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro, has urged the President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), to make the reunification of the legal body her top priority when she assumes office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Pinheiro made the call in a congratulatory message following Badejo-Okusanya’s historic election as the first woman to be directly elected by members of the NBA as its president.

Describing the President-elect as a leader known for excellence, courage and inclusiveness, Pinheiro expressed confidence in her ability to lead Africa’s largest legal association through a critical period.

While congratulating her on the landmark victory, he said the NBA is grappling with internal divisions that require immediate attention, stressing that restoring unity should be the cornerstone of her administration.

“The Bar is currently polarised along several lines—generational, ideological and sometimes personal,” Pinheiro said.

“Healing these divisions and building a truly cohesive, inclusive and purpose-driven Bar must be at the heart of your agenda.”

According to the senior lawyer, rebuilding trust among members would not only strengthen the association but also enhance its capacity to fulfil its constitutional and professional responsibilities.

He argued that unity within the NBA goes beyond internal administration, saying it is vital to the legal profession’s ability to defend the rule of law, protect the interests of lawyers and serve as a credible voice on national issues.

Pinheiro warned that a divided Bar would struggle to effectively champion justice, accountability and good governance in the country.

Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks a major milestone in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Although Dame Priscilla Kuye served as NBA president in 1991 after assuming office from the position of vice president following the resignation of her predecessor, Badejo-Okusanya is the first woman to win the association’s presidency through a direct vote of its members.

Her emergence has been widely hailed as a historic breakthrough for the legal profession in Nigeria.