Olumide Akpata, Esq has undoubtedly excelled in lifting the image of NBA and restoring pride in the profession. He is excelling because he is standing on shoulders of giants before him. These Chairmen/Presidents, gave their all to the service of the Bar and we believe they should be celebrated during every annual general meeting of the NBA.
The ritual presidents dinner should be an award giving event, to thank all past leaders of the Bar, who had served the Bar in one capacity or the other. They are our heroes and heroines and should be celebrated whenever we gather. Profession Ethnics in Law School, should have Bar leadership as a course.
This will encourage others to serve the Bar and also offer the younger generation, the opportunity to know the history of the Bar.
Past chairmen of the association were:
- Christopher Sapara Williams (1900–1915)
- Sir Kitoyi Ajasa (1915–1937)
- Eric Olawale Moore (1937–1944)
- E.J. Alex Taylor (1944–1950)
- Sir Adeyemo Alakija (1950–1952)
- Jubril Martin (1952–1959)
Presidents of the Bar Association, who had the same authority as the former Chairmen, were:
- Frederick Rotimi Williams (1960–1968)
- Peter Thomas (1968–1969)
- Chief B.M. Boyo (1969–1970)
- Chief Richard Akinjide (1970–1973)
- Chief Adebayo Ogunsanya (1973–1974)
- Dr. Mudiaga Odge (1974–1975)
- Dr. Nwakanma Okoro (1976–1978)
- Chief B.O. Benson (1978–1980)
- Chief Adetunji Fadairo (1980–1982)
- A.N. Anyamene (1982–1984)
- Prince Bola Ajibola, (1984–1985)
- Ebele Nwokoye (1985–1987)
- Alao Aka-Bashorun (1987–1989)
- Charles Idehen (1989–1991)
- Chief Clement Akpamgbo (1991–1992)
- Priscilla Kuye (1991–1992)
Between 1992 and 1998 the NBA had no president, functioning only in branches. After the crisis, presidents were:
- Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, SAN (1998–2000)
- O.C.J. Okocha, SAN (2000–2002)
- Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN (2002–2004)
- Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN (2004–2005)
- Prince Lanke Odogiyon (2005–2006)
- Olisa Agbakoba (2006–2008)
- Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN (2008–2010)
- Joseph Bodurin Daudu, SAN (2010–2012)
- Okey Wali, SAN (2012–2014)
- Augustine Alegeh, SAN (2014–2016)
- Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (AB Mahmoud), SAN (2016–2018)
- Paul Usoro, SAN (2018–2020)
- Olumide Akpata, (2020–present)
