Templars is regularly turned to by domestic and international clients for a wide spectrum of matters, including commercial litigation, investor-state arbitrations, and alternative dispute matters. Adewale Atake, SAN, spearheads the practice and has experience in representing clients before all levels of court, while Igonikon Adekunle handles tax disputes, Inam Wilson, SAN acts for clients in civil litigation, and Godwin Omoaka is experienced in commercial arbitrations. Stanley U. Nweke-Eze is another notable member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very strong well-respected firm with high degree of innovation.'
- 'Collaboration, people, and diversity are their key areas of engagement.’
- ‘The team demonstrated not only excellent legal knowledge but also a strong grasp of the commercial realities of our industry. Their ability to balance technical legal analysis with practical business considerations added significant value and ensured that their advice was both actionable and strategic.'
- ‘Igonikon Adekunle, was particularly impressive for her strategic insight, ability to anticipate the regulator’s and counterparty’s positions, and for always maintaining focus on the big picture.'
- ‘Templars’ dispute resolution practice combines technical strength with commercial pragmatism, delivering clear strategies and efficient execution in complex arbitrations. They stand out for their responsiveness, seamless collaboration, and transparent billing, offering clients both legal rigor and cost predictability — a combination that sets them apart in Nigeria’s disputes market.’
- ‘Igonikon Adekunle brings authority and sharp strategic judgment, balancing deep legal analysis with a practical sense of what will advance the case.'
Key clients
- Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited
- Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited
- TotalEnergies E & P Nigeria Limited
- Upstream SA
- Nigeria LNG Limited
- Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria Limited
- Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited
- South Atlantic Petroleum Limited
- Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd
- Indorama Eleme Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited
- Google LLC
- Elektron Energy Limited
Work highlights
Representing Korean National Oil Corporation (KNOC) and its Nigerian subsidiaries as co-counsel in a multi-million-dollar ICSID arbitration against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Successfully representing Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and its shareholders in a US$1,300,000,000 arbitration (and related litigation) proceedings pursuant to a joint operating agreement, commenced by a state-affiliated entity and arising from a proposed sale of equity in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Representing Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (now Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited) in a suit filed at the Federal High Court for the enforcement of an arbitration clause under a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement with respect to a dispute relating to a c. US$20,000,000 claim.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Godwin Omoaka, SAN
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Stanley U. Nweke-Eze
Practice head
Adewale Atake, SAN
Other key lawyers
Igonikon Adekunle; Inam Wilson, SAN; Godwin Omoaka; Stanley U. Nweke-Eze