Sunday Ehigiator
A full-service law firm, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, has announced the appointment of Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi and Mr. Wolemi Esan as its new Managing Partner and Deputy Managing Partner respectively.
In a recent statement by the firm, the appointment of the duo took effect on September 1, 2021, as they took over from the combined leadership of Prof. Konyin Ajayi (SAN), and Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), who formerly served as the Managing Partner and Deputy Managing Partner of the firm respectively.
In the statement, Tominiyi who was described as a distinguished Eisenhower Fellow, teetered on leadership, ingenuity, resilience, and industry foresight, brings to bear his doctorate in business administration, but more so his youthful nature and fresh thinking.
“Tominiyi has demonstrated exceptional drive and passion for sustainable and scalable innovation and has an enviable record of winning for his clients, his team, and ultimately our esteem.
“Tominiyi has been intrinsic to the emergence of Olaniwun Ajayi as a truly international firm operating out of Africa. Widely regarded internationally as a foremost commercial practitioner, Tominiyi, (who served as longstanding chair of the firm’s oil and gas practice), brings to the leadership of the firm, a stellar record of being a perfect executioner of strategy, a warm and welcoming person, and one to do business with.
“His appointment as managing partner is not only well deserved but also fitting as our firm looks forward to the new ways of work in a platform economy.”
Wolemi on the other hand was described by Chambers Global 2021 as a “standout lawyer with a tremendous reputation in the market”.
The statement further noted that Wolemi has an uncommon drive, exceptionality and dedication laced his brilliant career with accolades from clients who he makes flourish.
“Successfully chairing the firm’s power and infrastructure practice, he built a track record of leading and advising on some of the transactions that have defined the Nigerian economy.
“Wolemi belongs to the elite class of lawyers whose practices are not defined by either contentious or non-contentious matters but can advise on high-value transactions, as well as complex litigation and arbitration, with equal proficiency.
“He has remained highly regarded by the firm’s clients, peers, and regulators alike, and has consistently acted as a bridge between the partnership and the firm’s younger generation of talent.”
The statement also revealed that Prof. Ajayi and Opasanya would continue to provide the most valued counsel to the firm and its clients, especially in litigation and arbitration in which they both continue to grow in stature and measure.
In a brief remark, Dr. Owolabi said it was an honour indeed for him to serve as managing partner of an institution that has shaped him 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 to strive to be a standard beyond all, creating a market of one, for all those who come to us: so, they may grow and flourish.
“Our goal is to be the most dominant firm in Africa, and this change brings us one step closer to doing just that. We remain proud of our heritage, as we look forward to the years ahead with a promise to change the world. This is what defines us here at Olaniwun Ajayi,” he noted.
On his part, Wolemi said having spent the entirety of his 20 years in legal practice in the firm, it was most humbling for him to be appointed as deputy managing partner, and to be part of the team that has been entrusted with the firm’s future.
According to him, “It is a deep honour to have the opportunity to build on the significant successes that we have recorded over the last six decades. The future is indeed exciting for the firm as we continue to build an institution that puts its people and clients at the centre of its universe.
“I look forward to working with Tominiyi, my partners, colleagues, and of course, our esteemed clients, as we implement our growth strategy, and drive the firm forward, and grow it from the largest law firm in Nigeria to the largest in Africa.”
