Adekola Kareem has emerged as the new Chairman of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), following a keenly contested election held on Saturday, 6, 2026, at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Kareem secured 216 votes to defeat his opponent, Olalekan Thanni, who polled 127 votes, thereby succeeding the outgoing executive led by Ibrahim Lawal.
The election, which ushered in a new set of officers to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years, also produced Dr. Olusola Olorunfemi as Vice Chairman. Olorunfemi defeated Mr. Oluwaseun Shotonwa by 242 votes to 90.
In the race for the position of Secretary, Mr. Adejorin D. Abiona emerged victorious after polling 190 votes to defeat Mr. Samuel Erinle, who garnered 155 votes.
Several other executive positions were filled unopposed. They include Miss Mofeyisara F. Ajao as Assistant Secretary, Miss Timisola R. Adebisi as Welfare Secretary, Mr. Temiloluwa Bolarinwa Morakinyo as Treasurer, Mr. Openiyi Idrees as Financial Secretary, Mr. Muhammad Ali Khan as Publicity Secretary, and Miss Tijesunimi Olugbile as Social Secretary.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, Kareem expressed appreciation to members of the Electoral Committee for conducting a credible exercise.
“I appreciate every member of the Electoral Committee for your commitment to the Bar and ensuring that the outcome of the election is a clear expression of the will of the majority,” he said.
The chairman-elect also pledged to provide transparent and inclusive leadership during his tenure.
“As Chairman-elect, I pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, humility and dedication. I will remain accessible, accountable and committed to the ideals that unite us as members of this great Bar,” Kareem stated.
The election was conducted by an Electoral Committee chaired by Mr. Seun Ajayi (SAN). Other members of the committee were Mr. Akeem A. Okelola (Secretary), Hajia Memudat Yusuf, Mrs. Kehinde Foluke Adegbola, and Mr. Chimezie Okolie.
The newly elected executives are expected to assume office and steer the affairs of the Ibadan NBA branch over the next two years.
