Olaniwun Ajayi LP > Lagos, Nigeria > Firm Profile
Olaniwun Ajayi LP Offices
THE ADUNOLA, PLOT L2, 401 CLOSE
BANANA ISLAND, IKOYI
LAGOS
Nigeria
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Olaniwun Ajayi LP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Nigeria > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Olaniwun Ajayi LP‘s ‘highly results-oriented‘ team stands out for its broad financing capabilities, with a key focus on the oil and gas sector. The group also fields expertise in capital market transactions, regulatory matters, and restructuring issues. Tominiyi Owolabi and Folashade Oluyadi are well known for advising clients in the oil and gas sector, and Wolemi Esan is active in the power, infrastructure, and mining sectors. Yewande Senbore, Abisola Odeinde, and Ibi Ogunbiyi handle a range of transactional mandates. Folake Alabi, Chinenye Ajayi and Ogechi Onuoha are key practitioners to note. Yemisi Taiwo has left the firm.Practice head(s):
Tominiyi Owolabi; Wolemi Esan; Yewande Senbore
Other key lawyers:
Abisola Odeinde; Ibi Ogunbiyi; Folashade Oluyadi; Chinenye Ajayi; Ogechi Onuoha; Damilola Salawu; Folake Alabi
Testimonials
‘A highly result-oriented team, leveraging good leadership and communication skills to achieve a common goal for clients. The team’s proactiveness, collaboration and attention to detail was second to none.’
‘Professionalism, readiness, and attention to detail. The competence of Chinenye Ajayi is worth noting.’
‘The firm has an established crop of lawyers, a lot of whom are highly respected and revered in the industry.’
‘The firm is highly collaborative and able to provide real-time advice.’
‘Exemplary knowledge across different aspects of law. Yewande Sembore is a gem.’
Key clients
Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited
NNPC E & P Limited
Seplat Energy Plc
Nigeria LNG Limited
International Finance Corporation
Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited
West Africa Gas Limited
COPDC Petroleum Development Company Limited
CMES-OMS Petroleum Development Company Limited
Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
Access Bank Plc
African Export-Import Bank
First City Monument Bank Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited
GuarantCo Limited
Ecobank Nigeria Limited
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Union Bank UK Plc
United Bank for Africa Plc
Africa Finance Corporation
Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund
First City Monument Bank Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited
Nithio F I B. V
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc
Africa Agriculture and Trade Investment Fund (AATIF)
Citibank North America
Citi Global Markets Limited
Symbiotics Group Limited
Emirates NBD
United Capital Infrastructure Fund
BUA Cement Plc
Work highlights
- Advising NNPC E & P Limited on a landmark USD3 billion development of petroleum assets in the Kolmani River area of Northern Nigeria.
- Advising West African Gas Limited and its affiliates on the debt-to-equity conversion of the financing obtained for the development of the OML 11 oil field.
- Advising BUA Cement Plc on a US$500,000,000 term loan for the expansion of the client’s integrated cement plant.
Nigeria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The ‘responsive and easily accessible' team at Olaniwun Ajayi LP has a particularly strong offering in corporate restructurings. The practice is jointly led by Olayimika Phillips, Jonathan Aluju, and M&A expert Anu Balogun. Wolemi Esan brings expertise in corporate finance, and Olaniran Osotuyi is well versed in advising on regulatory issues. Other notable lawyers with experience in the corporate and commercial space are Comfort Agboola and Oluwaseyi Alao, who are very experienced in handling private equity matters.Practice head(s):
Anu Balogun; Olayimika Phillips; Jonathan Aluju
Other key lawyers:
Wolemi Esan; Olaniran Osotuyi; Comfort Agboola; Oluwaseyi Alao; Damilola Salawu
Testimonials
‘Olaniwun Ajayi LP is very robust. The team offers intelligent opinions and comes up with creative and practical solutions.’
‘Very responsive and easily accessible.’
‘Solution-driven with a strong team of advisers.’
‘The team’s attention to detail makes them stand out. The individuals in the team were in touch almost every day to resolve issues.’
‘In-depth knowledge of both the Nigerian and UK law systems, with a very pragmatic approach to getting the deal done.’
‘The lawyers are very global in their perspective.’
Key clients
AfricInvest Anglophone West Africa
Suntory Beverage and Food Asia Pte Limited
First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited
Kasada GP Limited
Sprint Technology Solutions Limited
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited
Rack Centre Limited
Moody’s Group Cyprus Limited
Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited
Nigeria > Dispute resolution Tier 1
The ‘robust‘ practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is well known for representing financial institutions, private corporations, and public sector entities in a broad range of matters. Olabisi Makanjuola is experienced in handling capital markets issues, shareholder disputes and litigation arising from infrastructure projects, and is also active in white-collar crime matters. Oluseye Opasanya brings expertise in advising on international disputes, while Konyin Ajayi handles investment litigation and Echefu Ukattah has a solid track record in assisting with contentious maritime mandates. Michael Amadi is a key contact for contentious construction and oil and gas matters, and Abiola Tella is active in debt recovery, aviation and employment claims.
Practice head(s):
Olabisi Makanjuola; Echefu Ukattah
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is very robust. The team offers intelligent opinions and comes up with creative and practical solutions.’
‘Responsive and easily accessible, the team is intelligent and this reflects in the quality of opinion.’
‘The firm has built a sterling reputation for its excellence delivery, superior legal work, and bespoke client service. The partners and associates are very knowledgeable and client oriented.’
‘A team of fine and savvy lawyers.’
‘Accessible, available, and the team devotes sufficient time to manage cases.’
‘Oluseye Opasanya shows great depth in solutions provided and is very accessible to clients. Olabisi Makanjuola is vibrant, intelligent, and is always willing to help solve problems. Abiola Tella is creative and intelligent.’
‘Oluseye Opasanya and Olabisi Makanjuola’s considerable experience, depth of research and accessibility stand out from other litigators in the market.’
‘Echefu Ukatta has in depth knowledge of maritime litigation and practices.’
Key clients
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited
TAV Airports Holding Company
Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria
BGP/CNPC International Nigeria Limited
Vigeo Power Limited
Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited
Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc (KEDCO)
ENL Consortium Limited (ENL)
First City Monument Bank
Atlas Mara Limited
Nigeria > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
The ‘brilliant, diverse, and very knowledgeable’ team at Olaniwun Ajayi LP handles a broad range of matters, including infrastructure project developments and M&A. Tominiyi Owolabi and Ibi Ogunbiyi are regularly instructed by government entities, while Wolemi Esan is an expert in advising on infrastructure, mining, and power assets. Damilola Salawu has expertise in advising on the acquisition and development of downstream, midstream, and upstream assets. Ganiyat Seriki is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Tominiyi Owolabi; Wolemi Esan; Ibi Ogunbiyi
Other key lawyers:
Damilola Salawu; Ganiyat Seriki; Folashade Oluya; Olamide Falom
Testimonials
‘A brilliant, diverse, and very knowledgeable team.’
‘The team was awesome and unique in its approach to client relationships.’
‘The coordination, resourcefulness, and management of Ibi Ogunbiyi was super. The quality of service delivered by the team was top notch and of international standard.’
‘Olaniwun Ajayi staffed our project with a team of brilliant individuals who provided high quality yet personable service. The team collaborated with our inhouse team regularly.’
‘Ganiyat Seriki demonstrated particularly impressive skill.’
Key clients
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Corporation
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Company Limited
NNPC E & P Limited
Nigeria LNG Limited
N-Gas Limited
International Finance Corporation
Dangote Industries Limited
Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited
Seplat Energy Plc
African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited
Suntrust Oil Company Limited
Gasland Company Limited
Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited
Aiteo Eastern E & P Limited
CMES-OMS Petroleum Development Company Limited
Sahara Group Limited
West Africa Gas Limited
ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited
COPDC Petroleum Development Company Limited
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
Genesis Hydrocarbon Limited
COPDC Petroleum Development
West African Exploration and Production Company Limited
Ingentia Energies Limited
SRS E & P Limited
Energia Limited
YYConnect Consulting Limited
Damas Petrochemical and Refinery Limited
Antan Producing Limited
HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited
Energy Company of the Future
Lagos State Government
First Global Commerce Solutions
FGN Power Company Limited
Africa Finance Corporation
FG Gold
Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advising NNPC E & P Limited on a landmark multi-billion-dollar development of upstream and midstream assets in the Kolmani River area of Northern Nigeria.
- Advising NNPC Limited on the divestment of Addax’s rights under certain production sharing contracts relating to OMLs.
- Advising ECOF on a long-term strategic investment in electricity distribution assets in Nigeria.
Nigeria > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Olaniwun Ajayi LP's practice is well-regarded for its expertise in transactional real estate and construction matters. Wolemi Esan is sought after for advising on infrastructure development matters, and Ibi Ogunbiyi is noted for her expertise in assisting with greenfield and brownfield projects. Abisola Odeinde and Chinenye Ajayi specialise in project finance work. Ganiyat Seriki is a key member of the group.Practice head(s):
Wolemi Esan; Ibi Ogunbiyi; Abisola Odeinde; Chinenye Ajayi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Olaniwun Ajayi is the go-to law firm on issues relating to construction and infrastructure. The team has been very supportive in terms of drafting and reviewing our construction contracts. We are very pleased with its services.’
‘The practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is very robust. The team offers intelligent opinions and comes up with creative and practical solutions.’
‘Very responsive, accessible, and intelligent.’
Key clients
Osborne Properties and Investment Limited
Lagos State Government
First Global Commerce Solutions
Kasada GP Limited
Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Ltd
FGN Power Company Limited
ECOF Kaduna Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Lagos State Government on all legal issues relating to a 38km fourth mainland bridge.
- Advising First Metro Infrastructure Limited and First Global Commerce Solutions on all legal matters pertaining to a 30km light rail project.
- Advising Consortium Nigeria Future Airports in connection with the proposed concession of international airport and cargo terminals in Abuja and Kano.
Olaniwun Ajayi LP > Firm Profile
The firm: Olaniwun Ajayi is a leading commercial law firm with broad financial, corporate, energy and natural resources and regulatory advisory practice areas. Olaniwun Ajayi is a pan-African practice with a presence in key African cities and lawyers who are qualified in multiple jurisdictions, including Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the State of New York.
Over the years, the firm has acted for some of the biggest corporations in Africa and across the globe, equipping the firm with a good mix of local knowledge and international expertise. As a result of this, the firm’s clients are constantly provided with bespoke services expected of a top commercial law firm which provides value for money while keeping abreast of the dynamic pace of the business world. The fulcrum of the firm’s strategy is the assiduous protection of the firm’s clients’ interests, employing sound judgement and innovative tools for mitigating and, where possible, eliminating the risks involved in the various aspects of their businesses.
Olaniwun Ajayi LP is a pacesetter: strategically positioned to provide support on all matters related to commercial enterprises, from start to finish. Its history, deep roots and familiarity with the business environment afford the firm a uniquely different perspective to issues and has continued to shape the way it approaches and innovates around its clients’ challenges.
Areas of practice: With over 50 years’ experience in helping organisations, governments and individuals achieve their goals, the firm has developed expertise in sophisticated commercial transactions, a fact illustrated by its involvement in some of the largest and most complex transactions across many sectors of the Nigerian economy. This has been exemplified by the work of Oluseye Opasanya, SAN in the receivership of Arik Air Limited – the largest and most complex receivership in the West African aviation sector, cutting across multiple jurisdictions.
In the banking and finance space, the firm remains one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial law firms in the country and on the continent, routinely advising domestic and international commercial lenders, DFIs, governments and supranationals, as well as some of the largest corporations on various market-defining deals. Recently, the firm advised a syndicate of lenders in connection with the financing and restructuring of a US$600m multicurrency facility granted to Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (Etisalat Nigeria).
The firm has been highly regarded for its expertise in capital markets transactions, advising on the issue of the most successful (in terms of subscription) non-sovereign and non-supranational Eurobond issuance in sub-Saharan Africa. The firm is currently advising an indigenous oil and gas company on its Eurobond issuance programme.
As a leader in the Nigerian power industry, where it is widely recognised as a pioneer, the firm advised on the landmark 459MW Azura-Edo IPP and more recently, the proposed development of a 540MW gas-fired IPP in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
In terms of contentious work, the dispute resolution practice of the firm is highly regarded as the ‘go-to firm’ for very complex disputes and criminal investigations and representing clients in complex finance, capital market, power and oil- and gas-related disputes. The firm also has a growing arbitration practice representing clients both in domestic and international arbitrations.
As a result of the firm’s expertise, it has become the leading law firm when companies are thinking of embarking on a new and revolutionary idea, product or process, and for complex and sophisticated commercial transactions as well as contentious work.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative and constitutional | |||
| Banking and finance | |||
| Business advisory | |||
| Capital markets | |||
| Company secretarial | |||
| Corporate restructuring and insolvency | |||
| Dispute resolution | |||
| Entertainment, leisure and media | |||
| Foreign investments | |||
| Information technology and fintech | |||
| Infrastructure and PPPs | |||
| Intellectual property | |||
| Legislative and regulatory reform | |||
| Licensing and regulatory compliance | |||
| Mergers and acquisitions | |||
| Mining and minerals | |||
| Oil and gas | |||
| Power | |||
| Private equity | |||
| Tax | |||
| Telecommunications | |||
| Transportation (aviation, shipping, and inland transport) | |||
| Wealth management |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 70Languages
English French GermanOther
Contacts : Konyin Ajayi (managing partner) Contacts : Oluseye Opasanya (deputy managing partner) Contacts : Tominiyi Owolabi (partner, oil and gas) Contacts : Wolemi Esan (partner, power and infrastructure) Other offices : Abuja- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Energy and natural resources
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Real estate and construction