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Churchgate Group lays foundations for further success by adding Abiola Tella as Group GC
One of Nigeria’s largest real estate developers, the Churchgate Group has created iconic properties like the World Trade Centre in Abuja and Churchgate Towers in Lagos. Now they’re building for future success by adding talented dispute resolution expert Abiola Tella to their team as General Counsel.
Talented Nigerian litigator Abiola Tella has announced she’s moving from advocacy to executive strategy, as the Team Lead of top African firm Olaniwun Ajayi’s Dispute Resolution practice begins a new chapter in her legal career by taking up the role of Group General Counsel and Head of Legal at the Churchgate Group.
“After over 15 fulfilling years dedicated to the art and science of dispute resolution, I am excited to transition from the courtroom to the C-Suite, where I will now focus on driving legal strategy, corporate governance and executive-level risk management for the Group,” shared Abiola on social media today, as she moved in-house.
A leading Nigerian property developer with a portfolio of office towers, warehouses, and residential apartments in Lagos and Abuja, including the iconic World Trade Centre in Abuja, and Churchgate Towers on Victoria Island, the Churchgate Group was first established in 1968 as a textile manufacturer and large-scale importer, growing, changing, and evolving through the decades alongside the country itself.
Committed to building with sustainability in mind, Churchgate’s projects have transformed cities and towns into vibrant communities that offer a wide range of opportunities for residents and visitors through innovative practices and ingenuity.
Abiola said she looked forward to collaborating with the leadership team at Churchgate Group as General Counsel and “contributing to its ambitious vision for the future”. She also praised the top law firms where she formed and grew her legal career, saying her journey has been one of continuous learning and growth.
“It started at DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria (Olajide Oyewole LLP) where I built my foundation, and was sharpened and toughened during my tenure at Olaniwun Ajayi,” said Abiola. “ These experiences have endowed me with a deep, practical understanding of business risk and legal complexity - a powerful toolkit that I look forward to applying in this new capacity. I am immensely grateful for the lessons learned and the relationships forged throughout my years in practice.”
Abiola, a Recommended Lawyer for Dispute Resolution in last year’s Legal 500 EMEA Rankings, was congratulated on her General Counsel role by past colleagues and others in the legal profession. Olaniwun Ajayi Deputy Managing Partner Wolemi Esan SAN said: “Churchgate is fortunate to now have the privilege of your brilliance and dedication. Wishing you every success in this exciting new chapter.”