Before Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Priscilla Kuye Made NBA History as First Female President

 

The emergence of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reignited public interest in the remarkable woman who first shattered the association's gender barrier more than three decades ago.

While Badejo-Okusanya has become the first woman to be directly elected President of the NBA by members, the distinction of being the first female president of the association belongs to Dame Priscilla Olabori Kuye, who led the NBA from 1991 to 1992.

Kuye assumed office after the then NBA President, Clement Akpamgbo, was appointed Attorney-General of the Federation, making her the first woman ever to head Nigeria's foremost association of legal practitioners.

Born on August 18, 1940, in Lagos, Kuye began her professional career as a nurse in England before studying law at the University of London. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1967 after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School and later established Priscilla O. Kuye & Company, one of the earliest female-owned law firms in Nigeria.

Her rise to the NBA's highest office was the culmination of years of dedicated service. She served in several key positions, including Auditor, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Third Vice-President, Second Vice-President and First Vice-President before making history as the association's first female president.

During her tenure under military rule, Kuye became a respected voice for judicial independence, constitutional democracy and the protection of human rights. She consistently advocated for the rule of law and defended the rights of lawyers and activists during a politically challenging period.

Beyond the legal profession, Kuye also distinguished herself in business and international legal advocacy. She became the first Nigerian president of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and served in leadership positions within the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

Her contributions earned her several honours, including a papal knighthood conferred by Pope John Paul II in 1981, giving her the title of Dame. She is also a Life Bencher, one of the highest recognitions in Nigeria's legal profession.

With Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya now elected to lead the NBA, many observers see her victory as a historic milestone that builds on the pioneering legacy of Dame Priscilla Kuye. Together, both women have cemented their places in history, marking significant progress for women's leadership within Nigeria's legal profession.