Glass ceiling shattered as Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade sworn in as chair of Nigerian Bar, Lagos Branch

The Nigerian legal community has celebrated the elevation of dispute resolution lawyer Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade to one of its highest offices as a significant moment that signals progress and promise among Africa’s largest Bar Association.

On Friday, Akingbade was sworn in as the new Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch. She is the first female Chair of the country’s ‘Premier Bar’, the largest branch of the continent’s largest legal profession, with more than 20,000 members.

After winning election a few weeks ago, Akingbade said she was “deeply honoured” by the confidence her fellow Nigerian lawyers had shown in her. She is a partner at Sunesis DLP, a Lagos-headquartered commercial and dispute resolution law firm. 

“The mandate you have given is not one I take lightly,” she said earlier in July, noting that the NBA Lagos Branch has not just elected a Chair, but given life to a vision. “A vision of a Bar where every lawyer, regardless of age, gender, background, or practice area — feels seen, heard, and supported. A Bar that stands tall in dignity, bold in advocacy, and unwavering in professional excellence.”

Technology lawyer Emmanuel Agherario, a senior associate at Olisa Agbakoba Legal Practitioners, says the new Chair’s inauguration on Friday was not just a ceremony, but a powerful moment of progress, promise, and purpose. “Uchenna’s leadership journey is marked by excellence, grace, and grit, and I have no doubt she will lead the Premier Branch with vision and integrity… The bar is proud. The future is bright.”

Litigator Hauwa Uthman, who attended the groundbreaking inauguration ceremony and reception, called Friday a remarkable moment in history; a vibrant evening of joy, pride, and inspiration, and a statement of “progress, inclusion, and possibility”. 

Newly launched practice Abe & Asotie LP congratulated Akingbade, along with the outgoing executive team led by Olabisi Makanjuola for significant progress, and the new members of the Young Lawyer’s Forum led by Gideon Edem. “We are optimistic that this team will make more historic achievements as we look forward to a Bar without borders”, a mantra firmly echoed by the new Chair during her inauguration. 

Real estate lawyer and investment advisor Adams Zaenab Olawunmi, founder of Gen-Z driven legal support brand Lawrified, shared that Akingbade’s swearing in as Chair wasn’t just a ceremonial handover, and left an imprint on her. “It was a breaking of norms, a rewriting of narratives, and a declaration that women are not just participants in history but rather, we are the makers of history.”

A day after it was announced only two female Nigerian lawyers would be promoted to the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, alongside 55 men, (despite Nigeria comparing favourably in global terms of women lawyers rising to positions of some seniority, leadership, and responsibility), Akingbade smashed a glass ceiling.

It was a call to action, to continue much-needed progress. 

“We must run for office, lead institutions, build influence, and shape the policies that define our realities,” says Olawunmi. “Not as tokens or ‘firsts’ for applause but as experts, change-makers, and citizens with vision… Let’s build a Nigeria where female leadership is not a historic moment, but a norm. Here’s to more women leading loudly, living fully, and changing history unapologetically.”