Nigeria: Arbitration
As awareness of the benefits of arbitration spreads, there has been an increase in the popularity of arbitration as a mechanism to solve international disputes. Our research identifies 24 individuals who stand out for their expertise in acting as counsel and as neutrals, making this one of the largest chapters in this publication.
AELEX has two partners listed. Funke Adekoya SAN, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, has been cited as “outstanding” by our interviewees. She has a wealth of experience in arbitration acting as both counsel and party-appointed, sole and presiding arbitrator, and is currently the chair of the Nigeria Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Adedapo Tunde-Olowu is also a well-recognised disputes lawyer and regularly appears before all the superior courts in Nigeria.
Aluko & Oyebode have two nominees listed. The “very highly rated” Babatunde Fagbohunlu SAN has worked on behalf of both national and international clients before bodies such as the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC. Adeniyi Adegbonmire is held in high regard for his arbitration work, having represented clients including multinational corporations, banks, financial institutions and overseas law firms.
Babalakin & Co managing partner Olawale Adeola Akoni SAN has been nominated yet again for his “high profile” work: he is currently representing Nigeria’s National Oil Corporation in questions relating to arbitral proceedings involving a total of over US$300 million. Alongside him, the “highly recommended” Bolanle Olawale Babalakin SAN has extensive experience leading teams of lawyers in major matters and is acting as lead counsel in arbitral proceedings on behalf of Nigeria’s state-owned oil company in a billion-dollar claim.
Babajide Ogundipe is a founding member of Sofunde Osakwe Ogundipe & Belgore and is one of the firm’s two nominees. A “prominent arbitrator”, he is also an approved tutor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the current chairman of the Nigerian branch. Mohammed Dele Belgore SAN continues to be highly regarded by interviewees, and is a fellow of the institute.
Dorothy Ufot, who heads the arbitration department at Dorothy Ufot & Co, has once again been recognised as “one of the best arbitrators” in Nigeria. She has been appointed by multinational oil corporations, state governments, federal government agencies and large and medium-sized private companies. She is a former vice chair of the arbitration committee of the International Bar Association, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the ICC Commission on Arbitration.
Tunde Busari was confirmed with conviction as an “eminent” arbitrator. A founding partner of Akinwunmi & Busari, he is a Nigerian chartered arbitrator as well as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Tinuade Oyekunle is a “prominent” name. She is a member of the governing council of the Lagos International Centre for Commercial Arbitration and also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and focuses on complex international commercial disputes.
The “very active” Bayo Ojo SAN of Bayo Ojo & Co is known for his extensive work on both domestic and international arbitrations. He is a member of the Association of Swiss Arbitrators and the London Court of International Arbitration, and is a former president of the Nigerian Bar.
Managing partner of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors Anthony Idigbe SAN is classed as a “top arbitrator”. He is regarded as a thorough practitioner with a wealth of experience and is a fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the International Bar Association.
The “distinguished” Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson SAN of Strachan Partners is a supporting member of the London Maritime Arbitration Association. He was also a member of the Lagos state arbitration law reform committee 2007/2008, through which the Lagos court of arbitration was established.
Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Kayode Eso is praised as being “among the top arbitrators” in Nigeria and represents his own firm here.
Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour has conducted arbitration in disputes in the construction, infrastructure projects, oil and gas, maritime, banking and energy sectors and was cited as a “thought leader”.
Olusola Adegbonmire of Sola Ajijola & Co acts as arbitrator and counsel in a range of commercial disputes ranging from property to energy.
Funmi Roberts of the firm Funmi Roberts & Company is praised in the research as being “an all-round performer”.
Fidelis Oditah QC is well known for having taken on some “high profile arbitrations”. He is an English QC and a Nigerian SAN.
The “notable” Ladipo Soetan from Siji Soetan & Co is known for handling complex arbitrations for multinational oil corporations.
Fabian Ajogwu, managing partner of the firm Kenna & Associates, is a new entry to this edition and was praised as being a “top-tier” practitioner. He is a fellow and council member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the London Court of International Arbitration.
Olusola Ephraim Oluwanuga at O S Ephraim Oluwanuga & Co is regarded as a “superior” arbitrator, particularly in her work related to capital markets.
Theo Chike Osanakpo SAN is managing counsel of the law firm of Dr
T C Osanakpo & Co and is widely respected for his experience.
Joe-Kyari Gadzama MFR SAN is cited as “first-rate“ to work with by his peers and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the LCIA.