Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie is home to an experienced dispute resolution team, which is praised by clients for its ‘strong technical expertise with a practical and solutions-focused approach.’ The team is jointly led by Festus Onyia and Mena Ajakpovi, and Onyia is experienced before courts and tribunals in the UK and the US, while Ajakpovi handles intellectual property disputes. Michael Ugah and Mesuabari Mene-Josiah are other names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The practice combines strong technical expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach, providing clients with timely and commercially relevant advice. The team is noted for its collaborative way of working across legal areas, ensuring well-rounded and coordinated support.’
- ‘The team demonstrates flexibility in adapting its approach to clients’ business needs while consistently advising on the best possible legal outcomes.'
- ‘They are a strong firm with diverse team across various practice groups. They have a deep understanding of the Nigerian legal system, which has helped in their management of our dispute and litigation portfolio.’
- ‘My company works primarily with Festus Onyia and Michael Ugah on our legal matters in Nigeria. They are available and supportive in navigating complex legal issues. They are quick to proffer solutions or alternative ways of doing things that are beneficial to my business.'
Key clients
- Uber B.V
- Shelf Drilling Nigeria Ltd
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
- International Finance Corporation
- General Electric Company Limited
- Seplat Energy Plc
- KCA Deutag Nigeria Limited and KCA Deutag Drilling GMBH
- Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (now Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited)
- Flutterwave Inc & Flutterwave Technology Solutions Ltd
- Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited
- Optima Media Group Limited
Work highlights
Represented Philip Morris Limited on two critical appeals before the Nigerian Supreme Court (Kano and Ogun Appeals).
Representing Holcim Limited (the 2nd Defendant) in a significant minority shareholder dispute before the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Advising UBER BV, a company registered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on an action against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Festus Onyia; Mena Ajakpovi
Other key lawyers
Michael Ugah; Mesuabari Mene-Josiah