Prof. Foluke Dada Steps Down, Endorses Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN at Egbe Amofin O’odua Female Summit

In a major development ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections, Professor Foluke Dada has formally withdrawn from the presidential race and publicly endorsed Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, as the consensus candidate of the Egbe Amofin O’odua caucus. The announcement was made at the Egbe Amofin Oodua Women’s Inaugural Summit, held on 6 December 2025 at World Lilies Hotel, Ibadan.

According to the communique issued from the summit, Prof. Dada’s declaration came during the highlight session of the Summit, where she addressed delegates and reaffirmed her commitment to the collective decision of the Egbe. On page 3 of the communique, she formally announced “her withdrawal from the contest for the Office of President of the Nigerian Bar Association in the 2026 Elections, in deference to the decision of the Egbe.” She further emphasized her “intention to align with the Egbe’s preferred candidate – Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.”

The declaration was received with admiration and described by Summit delegates as “historic, selfless, statesmanlike, and reflective of the highest ideals of Omoluabi,” underscoring Prof. Dada’s reputation as a leader committed to unity within the legal profession.

Her endorsement aligns with the Egbe Amofin O’odua’s earlier reaffirmation—captured under the Summit’s Recommendations—that Aare Akinboro stands as the caucus’ adopted consensus candidate for NBA President in 2026. The communique notes that this position is consistent with “fairness, historical consistency, and the 2019 zoning of the Egbe Amofin Oodua and constitutional zoning structure of the NBA.” (Page 3)

The withdrawal and endorsement mark a significant moment in the build-up to the NBA elections, consolidating support within the Yoruba caucus behind Akinboro, SAN, a respected Bar leader known for his humility, professional integrity, and commitment to unity within the Association.

The Summit, attended by distinguished jurists, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, female legal leaders, and Bar stakeholders, reaffirmed its call for a leadership grounded in merit, service, inclusiveness, and integrity—values both Prof. Dada and Aare Akinboro SAN are widely recognized for exemplifying.