Oyo State governorship aspirant and legal practitioner, Barrister Niyi Aborisade [BANA], has urged the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), to prioritise the rule of law, strengthen the legal profession and promote unity within the association.

Aborisade, who congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her election, said her emergence reflected the confidence reposed in her by members of the Bar and expressed optimism that her leadership would consolidate on the achievements of her predecessor while addressing the challenges confronting the nation’s judiciary.

“The members of the Bar elected her, and she deserves the position. I congratulate her and wish her a successful tenure,” he said during an interview in Ibadan.

He charged the new NBA president to provide purposeful leadership that would reinforce the rule of law, enhance public confidence in the justice system and advance the development of the legal profession.

Aborisade also called for sustained reforms to improve the administration of justice, stressing that the legal profession must continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges within the country’s judicial system.

“I expect her to uphold the rule of law and strengthen the legal profession. She should build on the achievements of her predecessor while addressing the emerging challenges facing the judiciary,” he said.

He also urged Badejo-Okusanya to create greater opportunities for young lawyers through mentorship, capacity building and professional development initiatives.

On the need for unity within the association, Aborisade acknowledged that politics was inevitable in every organisation but emphasised that the new NBA leadership should strive to unite members and strengthen the association.

“Unity is important. Politics exists everywhere, including within professional bodies, but I hope she will bring members together, strengthen the association and promote greater cohesion within the legal profession,” he added.

He expressed confidence that a more united Nigerian Bar Association would be better positioned to defend the rule of law, safeguard the independence of the judiciary and contribute meaningfully to national development.