Senior Advocate of Nigeria and respected Bar leader, Chief Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, has extended warm congratulations to the newly sworn-in President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, describing her emergence as a defining moment in the history of the legal profession and a renewed call to purposeful leadership.
Her inauguration marks the beginning of a new administration following the successful completion of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN’s tenure as the 32nd President of the Association.
In his congratulatory message, Ogbole noted that the Nigerian Bar has once again demonstrated the strength of its democratic institutions through a peaceful transition of leadership.
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated President possesses the integrity, competence and courage required to unite the Bar, deepen professional excellence and advance the rule of law in Nigeria.
“I heartily congratulate our newly sworn-in President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, on this historic and well-deserved elevation.
Your emergence reflects the confidence reposed in your vision, experience and capacity to lead the Nigerian Bar Association into a new era of innovation, inclusiveness and institutional strength.
I equally congratulate every member of the newly inaugurated National Executive Committee. You have accepted a sacred responsibility to serve the legal profession with integrity, fairness and dedication. I have every confidence that together you will build on the gains already recorded and continue to strengthen our Association for the benefit of every legal practitioner.
As a new chapter begins, it is only fitting to pay glowing tribute to Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, whose tenure was marked by unwavering commitment to the rule of law, institutional reforms, courageous advocacy and the promotion of the welfare of lawyers. His leadership has left enduring footprints in the history of our Association.
Leadership is a relay, not a race. One administration lays the foundation upon which another builds.
I therefore urge every member of the Bar to support the new President and her Executive Committee wholeheartedly, as the progress of our Association depends on our shared commitment, unity and collective purpose.
May this new administration usher in greater accomplishments for the Nigerian Bar Association and further strengthen our profession as a beacon of justice, democracy and the rule of law.”
Ogbole further urged lawyers across the country to rally behind the new leadership, stressing that the future of the Association would be determined not only by those elected to serve but also by the collective support of members committed to preserving the dignity and independence of the legal profession.
He expressed optimism that the transition would consolidate the reforms of the outgoing administration while opening new frontiers for growth, inclusion and service to the Bar and the nation.
