The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ondo City Branch, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, recorded a landmark achievement with the swearing-in of Stella Chinyere-Udu Arochendo, Esq., as the first female Chairman of the Branch. The ceremony also ushered in a new Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 administration, marking the beginning of a new era of leadership and inclusivity.
Held in Ondo City, the event symbolized continuity and renewal as the newly elected officers formally assumed their responsibilities. In her inaugural address, Chairman Arochendo urged members to embrace unity, integrity, and collective responsibility in advancing the Branch’s progress.
“We must work together with integrity and oneness to build a stronger and more progressive Branch,” she declared, emphasizing that collaboration and mutual support would strengthen the association and foster professional excellence.
Arochendo also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her close friends and members of the Igbo women community in Ondo City and Akure for their remarkable show of solidarity. In a gesture of encouragement, the women furnished her office to make it befitting of her new role, symbolizing both friendship and cultural unity. She described their contribution as a reflection of sisterhood and community spirit, noting that such acts of kindness reinforce the importance of collective support in leadership.
“I deeply appreciate the love and generosity shown by my friends and the Igbo women in Ondo City and Akure. Their thoughtful gesture has made my office a true reflection of dignity and readiness for service,” she said.
The ceremony also featured a formal handover to the new executives, underscoring the Branch’s commitment to institutional growth and continuity.
Other executives sworn in included:
- Akinmusayo J. Akindele, Esq. – Vice Chairman
- Chief Olufemi Akinbinu – Secretary
- Joy Ayodele-Ejema, Esq. – Treasurer
- Sarafa Omoyele Okewoye, Esq. – Publicity Secretary
- Adeyeri Oluwatobiloba Folorunso, Esq. – Assistant Secretary
- Olaniyi Israel Ikuemonisan, Esq. – Welfare Director
- Ayomiposi Akinola, Esq. – Social Secretary
The swearing-in of Arochendo as the first female Chairman has been widely celebrated as a breakthrough moment for gender representation in the NBA, inspiring young female lawyers across Nigeria to aspire to leadership roles and reinforcing the association’s commitment to inclusivity and professional excellence.
