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Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and Chinyere Moneme inspire next generations as new Nigerian silks
As dozens of distinguished lawyers were this week conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the equivalent to King’s Counsel, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and Chinyere Moneme continued to blaze a trail for women in law
The official elevation of leading litigators and arbitration experts Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and Chinyere Moneme this week to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has been widely celebrated in the legal profession and beyond as a well-deserved honour as well as an inspiration to new generations.
“This remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a collective inspiration to women in the legal profession and beyond,” said the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum on social media. “It is a testament to [their] dedication, resilience, and exceptional contributions to the advancement of justice in Nigeria.”
The Forum joyfully celebrated the milestone, commending Badejo-Okusanya SAN and Moneme SAN, as they took on “this new mantle of honour and responsibility”, for their trailblazing spirit and excellence, which will “continue to illuminate the path for younger generations of female lawyers aspiring to the highest levels of practice”.
The rank of SAN is conferred as a mark of professional excellence upon practitioners who have “demonstrated exceptional distinction either as advocates in the courts or as academics contributing significantly to the development of legal scholarship”.
Badejo-Okusanya SAN is a dispute resolution specialist and partner at Africa Law Practice NG & Company, who last year chaired the Nigerian Bar Association AGM (the largest annual gathering of lawyers in the world). Moneme SAN is an international arbitrator, litigator, and partner at Crystal Legal Services in Abuja.
The duo were the only female lawyers elevated to SAN status, alongside 55 of their male colleagues. Overall, despite 40% of Nigeria’s legal profession being women, and Nigeria being found by a recent IBA report to compare favourably to many global jurisdictions in terms of women lawyers rising to ‘positions of responsibility’, at the very highest levels, there remains a jarring gender disparity (only 4% of SANs)
Celebrating his former University of Jos classmate Chinyere Moneme SAN on social media, lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur Prince Arthur Uche, CEO of Beyond Clothing, noted how difficult it is to become a SAN. “It takes years of consistent excellence, countless sleepless nights, and uncommon sacrifice. That’s why it is such a big deal that out of everyone elevated this year, she and just one other woman made it through. What an incredible achievement! Chinyere, you are not just an inspiration to lawyers across Nigeria — you are an inspiration to me personally.”
Olasupo Shasore SAN, Senior Partner at ALP NG & Co, said this week’s conferment of the rank of SAN on Badejo-Okusanya was both a personal triumph and a proud moment for the firm, recognising “her decades of dedication, the excellence she consistently delivers in the practice of law, and her bold advocacy in shaping outcomes that matter”. She embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and impact.
The day after her conferment, the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, Badejo-Okusanya SAN spoke of the resilience of Nigerians who continue to believe in a bright future, and the bold spirit that unites, while noting the legal profession bears the duty to defend justice, safeguard the rule of law, and ensure equity for all.
“The law remains the backbone of democracy, and in taking bold steps as a nation, lawyers must stand as guardians of truth, fairness, and accountability. May this Independence Day inspire us all leaders, citizens, and the legal community alike to work together towards a Nigeria where peace, justice, and prosperity reign.”