Human rights attorney Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has extended his congratulations to Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, following her selection as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association. In a statement titled “The Ballot Has Spoken: A New Chapter for the Nigerian Bar,” Ejiofor noted that this electoral success signifies the commencement of significant new responsibilities.
Ejiofor encouraged the legal community to set aside post-election tensions and focus on reconciliation. He acknowledged that while the race was competitive, it is time for the association to move past the grievances and rhetoric that typically follow such contests. He reminded members that although three qualified Senior Advocates presented their visions for the profession, electoral logic dictates that only one could lead at a time.
The lawyer urged members to show restraint and allow the new administration the space to fulfill its mandate. He specifically advised senior practitioners to avoid turning internal disagreements into public spectacles, suggesting that constructive engagement should preserve the dignity of the profession rather than diminish it.
Addressing the President-elect directly, Ejiofor advised her to maintain a spirit of inclusivity by treating her fellow contestants as partners rather than adversaries. He stressed that the goal must be a unified Bar that remains committed to its core values. Finally, he called on the incoming leadership to prioritize urgent issues such as the welfare of junior lawyers, the economic health of legal practice, and the broader independence of the justice system.
