The Chairman, Executive Committee, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association Bwari Branch, alongside distinguished members of the Bar and guests, were honoured with a goodwill message from Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, on the occasion of the Branch’s 2026 Annual Law Week.
In her message, she expressed appreciation for the consistent invitations extended to her by the Bwari Branch fondly referred to as the “Cradle Bar” noting her privilege of having previously spoken at four of its events.
She commended the Branch for selecting the theme, “The Leadership Challenge in Nigeria: The Way Forward, Beyond Rhetoric,” describing it as both timely and thought-provoking.
She observed that while Nigeria is rich in ideas, speeches, and well-crafted policies, the nation continues to grapple with leadership that translates rhetoric into tangible outcomes and real democratic dividends.
Highlighting the practical nature of leadership, she stressed that its true measure lies in governance quality, accessibility of justice, institutional effectiveness, and genuine accountability. According to her, leadership must be defined by principled, consistent, and accountable action rather than mere words.
Addressing members of the legal profession, she urged lawyers not to remain passive observers but to actively uphold the rule of law, challenge arbitrariness, and hold power accountable. She reiterated the enduring words of Christopher Sapara Williams, emphasizing the lawyer’s duty to contribute to national advancement.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to embody the leadership standards they advocate, noting that the path forward must begin with personal and professional integrity within the Bar.
She praised the Bwari Branch for creating a platform to critically examine leadership challenges and expressed hope that the Law Week would inspire not only dialogue but also meaningful commitment to measurable impact.
She concluded by thanking the Branch for the honour of the invitation and wishing participants a successful and engaging Law Week.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb
