Olaniwun Ajayi LP, a leading institution in Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tominiyi Owolabi and Wolemi Esan as managing partner and deputy managing partner respectively, effective September 1 2021. Tominiyi and Wolemi (who show we understand today, and shape the future), represent the promise of the firm to serve society and make Africa proud, by assuring our clients’ success in their endeavours.
Tominiyi, 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 (described by Chambers Global 2021 as "a standout lawyer with a tremendous reputation in the market"), has with 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 are able to 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.
In passing the baton, Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN and Oluseye Opasanya SAN will continue to provide 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.
The entire firm is very excited for what lies ahead with the gifted duo of Tominiyi and Wolemi at the helm, confident that the firm will in their hands, grow from the largest law firm in Nigeria to one of the best firms in the world born of Africa. The new leaders enjoy our unreserved support as we assure our clients, alliance partners and well-wishers that the excellence and professionalism that are the hallmark of Olaniwun Ajayi will know new heights.
Konyin comments:
“As a signpost of what is to come, these announcements prove that the platform of success, lies in the shapers of tomorrow – which Tominiyi and Wolemi represent. Tominiyi and Wolemi take 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”.
Tominiyi comments:
“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 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”.
Wolemi comments:
“Having spent the entirety of my circa 20 years in legal practice in the firm, it is most humbling for me to be appointed as deputy managing partner, and to be part of the team that has been entrusted with the firm’s future.
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”.