Pan-African firm CLG enters new chapter as Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo is named the new Managing Partner

Distinguished energy and finance lawyer Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo’s appointment as the new Managing Partner of CLG reflects her “exceptional leadership, deep sector expertise and proven ability to drive cross-border legal and business advisory services”, said the pan-African law firm when announcing her elevation this week. 

Established in 2007 by NJ Ayuk, one of the world’s leading energy lawyers, CLG (previously Centurion Legal Group) is a trailblazing African law and business advisory firm with key offices in several jurisdictions across Africa and Europe, and active in 50 countries worldwide. Before stepping into the Managing Partner role, Ojogbo spearheaded CLG’s Centurion Plus operations in Frankfurt, Germany. 

“Demonstrating her ability to innovate and expand CLG’s service model internationally, this ‘on-demand’ legal platform provides agile, project-specific legal teams for multinational clients in Europe and Africa,” said GLG in its official announcement. “She also led the firm’s pan-African Energy Transition Center, advising on renewable energy, low-carbon hydrogen and ESG strategies, helping governments and corporations align with global sustainability commitments.”

Before the official announcement yesterday, Ojogbo had already played a central role in CLG’s expansion into North Africa, personally overseeing the firm’s strategic collaboration this month with legal firm Zahaf & Partners in Libya. 

“As CLG expands into Libya, our focus is not just on growth, it is about presence and partnership,” shared Ojogbo yesterday. “Being on the ground matters. Listening matters. Supporting investors while contributing to stronger local frameworks and meaningful capacity development matters… Libya is at a pivotal moment, and I am excited that we get to go on this journey of development and growth together.”

The youngest partner in CLG’s history, Ojogbo has also led the firm’s pan-African Energy Transition Center, advising on renewable energy, low-carbon hydrogen and ESG strategies, helping governments and corporations align with global sustainability commitments. She serves on the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board, where she contributes to discussions shaping Africa’s energy future.

Admitted in both Nigeria and New York State, Ojogbo has an LLB from the University of Ibadan and a Masters in Law in Projects and Finance from Columbia Law School. She won the Private Practice Rising Star Award at the Africa Legal Awards in 2020.

Ojogbo’s career trajectory reflects her exceptional legal acumen and visionary leadership, says CLG. “Through her work, Ojogbo continues to empower businesses, foster sustainable development and drive transformation in the legal and energy sectors. She is widely recognized not only for her technical expertise and deal-making acumen but also as a champion of women in law and business.”

Her influence inspires future leaders, says the firm, and positions CLG as a global advisory powerhouse, while her elevation to Managing Partner for the firm reinforces her standing as a pivotal figure shaping Africa’s energy and infrastructure landscape.