Legal practitioner, Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., has called on members of the Nigerian Bar Association to support the emergence of a female President in the 2026 NBA national election, saying the time has come for what he described as a “feminine touch” in the leadership of the Bar.
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Ogbankwa, a former Director of Strategic Communications of the African Bar Association, made the call in an article titled, “Time For A Feminine Touch To The Nigerian Bar.”
He said the 2026 NBA election presents a defining moment for the largest Bar association in Africa, adding that history is calling on lawyers to either fulfil their generational mission or betray it.
Quoting Frantz Fanon, Ogbankwa said every generation must discover its mission and either fulfil or betray it.
According to him, the NBA stands at such a moment as lawyers prepare to elect national officers in July 2026.
He argued that the candidacy of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (UK), represents a historic opportunity for the NBA to fully embrace female leadership at the highest level.
Ogbankwa recalled the long history of NBA leadership, beginning from the pre-constitution era of past chairmen, including Christopher Sapara Williams, Sir Kitoyi Ajasa, Eric Olawale Moore, E. J. Alex Taylor, Sir Adeyemo Alakija and Alhaji Jubril Martins.
He also listed past presidents of the association from Chief F. R. A. Williams, SAN, through other former NBA leaders, including Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN; Dr. Mudiaga Odje, SAN; Alao Aka-Bashorun; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Joseph Daudu, SAN; Okey Wali, SAN; Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN; Paul Usoro, SAN; Olumide Akpata; Y. C. Maikyau, SAN; and the current NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
According to him, the history of the NBA shows that women have had limited opportunity to lead the association at the national level.
He noted that in over 125 years of the Bar’s existence, only one woman, Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, had emerged as NBA President in 1992, adding that the circumstances of that period prevented the association from enjoying the full benefit of female leadership.
Ogbankwa said the NBA should now align with the global trend of affirmative action by giving a woman the opportunity to occupy and function effectively in the office of President of the association.
Relying on a quote attributed to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, he said women belong in all places where decisions are being made and should not remain exceptions in leadership.
He argued that female leadership has both historical and jurisprudential significance, noting that the symbol of justice itself is represented by a woman.
According to him, the Lady of Justice reflects impartiality, balance and courage, qualities he said are consistent with the compassion, consideration and courage often associated with women.
He also quoted Nelson Mandela as saying that progress would be slow as long as outdated thinking prevents women from making meaningful contributions to society.
Ogbankwa, however, stressed that Badejo-Okusanya’s qualification for the office goes beyond gender.
He described her as a Senior Advocate with a deep understanding of the Bar, a congenial and accessible personality, and a problem-solving leadership style.
According to him, she knows the Bar and the Bar knows her.
He said Badejo-Okusanya is approachable, listens to concerns and is capable of solving problems without unnecessary protocol.
Ogbankwa said the NBA is not merely a professional association but a brotherhood and sisterhood in the cause of justice.
He urged lawyers to see the 2026 election as an opportunity to make history and choose leadership that would make justice more humane.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he said the time is always right to do what is right.
“The time is now. The time is for a feminine touch. Let us make history. Let us make justice more humane,” he said.
Ogbankwa maintained that supporting a credible female candidate for NBA President would not only advance inclusion but also strengthen the moral and institutional character of the Nigerian Bar.
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