Both appointments come into effect from September 1, 2021.

The lawyers take the baton from outgoing Managing Partner, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, and outgoing Deputy Managing Partner, Mr Oluseye Opasanya SAN. Both outgoing leaders will continue to provide counsel especially in litigation and arbitration.

Professor Ajayi said the appointments showed that success for the firm lay with the “shapers of tomorrow”.

“Tominiyi and Wolemi are taking on leadership of the firm at a truly auspicious time, where Africa’s need for global representation and audacious business leaders with a transformational and visionary mindset could not be more acute.

“I am confident in what their tenure holds, not only for the firm and its clients, but also for the legal services industry in Africa. These men take forward our long-term strategic objective to build a truly international firm out of Nigeria and Africa.”  

The new Managing Partner, Dr Owolabi, is an Eisenhower Fellow with a doctorate in business administration and has played a major role in the emergence of Olaniwun Ajayi LP as an international firm operating out of Africa. He has been a longstanding chair of the firm’s Oil and Gas practice and is known by his colleagues as a remarkable strategic thinker.

Following today’s announcement, Dr Owolabi said the goal now was to cement the firm’s reputation as one of the best in Africa and to take their clients with them.

“It is an honour indeed to serve as Managing Partner of an institution that has shaped me and many others, and more importantly, the Nigerian economy.

“The significance of the proverbial change in baton, and the responsibility this portends to realise the vision for the firm, shall underscore my tenure.

“As a firm, we will continue striving to a standard beyond all, creating a market of one, for all those who come to us so they may grow and flourish.”

Mr Esan, who is described by Chambers Global 2021 as "a standout lawyer with a tremendous

reputation in the market", has been the chair of the firm’s Power and Infrastructure practice. In recent years he has built up a track record of leading and advising on some of the transactions that have defined the Nigerian economy. 

Within Olaniwun Ajayi LP, he is known as someone who is a bridge between the partnership and the firm’s younger talent.

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