The Egbe Amofin Oodua Women’s Inaugural Summit, convened on December 6, 2025, at the World Lilies Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, has emerged as a pivotal gathering for female legal practitioners in Nigeria’s South West region.
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Billed under the theme “Evolving Role of Women in the Legal Profession: Striking a Balance between Professionalism and Gender Bias,” the event drew over 122 registered delegates from Ekiti, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, alongside senior advocates, jurists, and guests from other NBA geopolitical zones. What began as a forum to address gender challenges in the legal field culminated in a landmark announcement that solidified regional unity ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections.
In a moment described by attendees as “historic, selfless, and statesmanlike,” Professor Foluke Dada, a legal scholar and aspirant for the NBA presidency, voluntarily withdrew her candidacy. Addressing the summit, Prof. Dada emphasized that her decision stemmed from “deep reflection and in the interest of preserving the unity of Egbe Amofin Oodua.” She acknowledged the Midwest Bar Forum’s concession and reaffirmed Egbe Amofin Oodua as the authentic voice of the South West, insisting that the NBA presidency must return to the zone in 2026 as per zoning guidelines.
Prof. Dada’s announcement included an unequivocal endorsement of Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, the consensus candidate adopted by Egbe Amofin Oodua. “I offer prayers for his success and urge all members of Egbe, particularly the women, to stand together in unity,” she stated, her words met with resounding applause.
Responding with gratitude, Aare Akinboro described Prof. Dada’s gesture as “noble and reflective of the depth of her commitment to the profession.” He pledged a leadership focused on “institutional strengthening, integrity, and people-centered governance,” adding that the summit’s display of solidarity embodied the “best of the South-West tradition.”
The emotional peak came as Prof. Dada and Aare Akinboro shared a warm embrace, sparking spontaneous songs of joy and celebration from delegates. The unprompted outpouring underscored a rare sense of collective purpose, witnessed by dignitaries including Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN; Hon. Justice Toyin B. Adegoke; Mrs. Titi Akinlawon, SAN; Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN; and Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN.
Preceded by a welcome cocktail on December 5, the summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and goodwill messages from figures like Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada. Chief Olanipekun’s address, which chronicled Egbe Amofin’s history and the 2019 zoning arrangement granting Osun “right of first refusal” for 2026, received a thunderous ovation. Delegates resolved to publish it in national dailies for broader education on NBA leadership rotation.
The communique, issued on December 7 and signed by Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun, SAN (Vice-Chairman and Summit Organizing Committee Chair), outlined robust recommendations:
| Recommendation | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 1. Professionalism as Foundation | Recognition, leadership, and influence for all genders. |
| 2. Combating Gender Bias | Competence over limitations; bias must not define progress. |
| 3. Structured Mentorship | Capacity-building and leadership succession for women. |
| 4. Policy Frameworks | Fairness, equal opportunity, and gender balance in firms and NBA. |
| 5. Embracing Identity and Excellence | Women to leverage gender and professional strengths. |
| 6. Ceiling-Free Future | NBA to foster environments where women thrive without barriers. |
| 7. Zoning Fidelity | Respect NBA’s constitutional safeguards for equity and unity. |
| 8. Collective Decisions | Honor transparent zonal processes with professional reciprocity. |
| 9. Promoting Cohesion | Avoid divisions; build confidence and unity in the Bar. |
| 10. Endorsement of Candidate | Support for Aare Akinboro SAN in line with fairness and zoning. |
The summit concluded at 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment, with delegates departing the next day after breakfast. Appreciation was extended to Egbe Amofin’s executive, hotel staff, sponsors, and trustees.
In a related development, a coalition of female lawyers issued a joint statement praising Prof. Dada’s withdrawal as a “historic and selfless act” that advances gender inclusion. However, the group framed her decision as backing Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, described as “the only remaining female aspirant” and “a formidable leader whose moment has arrived.”
“We thank you for placing women’s empowerment above personal ambition… for making Nigerian female lawyers stand bolder, stronger, and united,” the statement read, signed by Mrs. Amaka Ezeno (former NBA Awka Branch Chair), Mrs. Gloria Etim (former NBA Eket Branch Chair), Ms. Aisha Ado Abdullahi (former NBA National Treasurer), Dr. Adesola Falaiye (NBA Lagos Branch), and Princess Demilade Douglas (NBA Lagos Branch). They lauded her for sparking a “renaissance across the entire NBA,” emphasizing women supporting women.
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