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OUR FIRM’S PROFILE
AAC ABIODUN ADESANYA & CO.
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FIRM'S PROFILE
Objective:Abiodun Adesanya & Co aims to raise the bar and blaze a trail in the rendering and delivery
of professional Legal services through our experienced, vibrant, dynamic and innovative group of lawyers
with wide expertise.
You rightfully deserve a Legal firm that you can call a “Partner” for life. At Abiodun
Adesanya & Co we pride ourselves in being a Legal Partner that renders professional,
reliable and affordable services through our dynamic Legal team. As a Client, be rest
assured that all your expectations of a Law Firm will be met, and that you will receive the
precise Legal services you have been searching for from professional attorneys you can
rely on.
With our Founder’s (Late Professor Abiodun Adesanya, SAN) experience spanning two
decades of teaching and three decades of meritorious Legal practice on one hand, and a
team of adept, vibrant and dynamic lawyers on the other, Abiodun Adesanya & Co
ensures a conflation of experience, expertise and innovation.
This conflation is further enriched by the input of the Firm’s Consultant in the person of
Professor TaiwoOsipitan (SAN) whose experience spans three decades of both teaching
and excellence in the practice of various areas of Law.
Abiodun Adesanya & Co is a firm with a clear understanding of the complex legal issues
facing clients because it constantly familiarizes itself with the client's needs in the
globalized business world. The approachable and efficient manner of all staff at Abiodun
Adesanya & Co gives the clients that added assurance that their best interest will be at
heart, executing their instruction with precision, diligence and adroitness.
In order to achieve our goal of raising the bar in the delivery of professional legal services,
we are relentlessly powered by the strength of our visionand a balance of our passion to
see a collective goal attained with an appreciation of diverse ideas. Our clients are, at all
times, assured of fast and effective services, access to all professionals, feedback on a
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regular basis and continued client commitment. Indeed, we are committed to our high
ethical standards laid down by our legal profession.
PRATICE AREAS
CIVIL LITIGATION & INSOLVENCY
The firm’s primary aim is to help clients, mainly leading multinationals and financial
institutions, to avoid litigation wherever possible. When litigation is unavoidable, the
Firm undertakes Litigation and provides Clients with Litigation Counseling including
National and International Arbitrations.
We have represented Clients in a wide range of civil matters relating particularly to
Banking, Unfair dismissal, International Trade, Intellectual Trade, Intellectual
Property, Maritime, Tax matters and Winding-up Proceedings.
Some of our Landmark Cases that have been decided before the Supreme Court in our
clients’ favour include the following:
- Odutola V. Papersack (Nig) Ltd. (2006) 18 NWLR (pt 1012) 470.
- Longe V. First Bank of Nigeria PLC (2010) 6 NWLR (pt 1189) 1 S.C.
- Ifegwu V. F.R.N (2001) 13 NWLR (pt 729) 103.
- Afro-Cont. Ltd V. Co-op. Assoc. of Prof. Inc (2003) 5 NWLR (pt 813) 303.
- Adesanya V. Olayeni (1999) 2NWLR (pt 592) 558.
- Texaco Panama Inc. v. Shell P.D.C.N. Ltd. (2002) 5 NWLR (Pt.759) 211
- Trade Bank Plc. v. Benilux (Nig.) Ltd. [2003] 9 NWLR (PT.825)416
CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL
Whether you are an entrepreneur who feels that you’re being strong-armed by a large
corporate competitor, or whether you are a small construction company trying to
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ensure that you have proper insurance coverage for your subcontractors, Abiodun
Adesanya and Co, can provide extensive business and commercial law services.
Abiodun Adesanya and Co has three decades of collective experience representing
businesses and other commercial entities. Some of the services that we provide
include:
o Litigation services to enforce contractual agreements;
o Enforcing employment agreements;
o Preparing disclaimer provisions;
o Resolving corporate or partnership disputes;
o Dissolving a business entity or partnership
o Joint venture and shareholders agreements
o Employment agreements
o Stock purchase and transfer agreements,
o Marketing, franchise, licensing and distribution agreements,
o Equipment leasing.
• FAMILY LAW
Abiodun Adesanya & Co. concerns itself with legal issues related to divorce, child
custody, child support, maintenance, settlement of property and other matters related
to Nigerian family law.
Alternative dispute resolution is resorted to in some cases, while in other cases; issues
must be resolved through litigation. Irrespective of the approach, our divorce lawyers
possess sophisticated negotiation and litigation skills that enable them to obtain just
settlements when possible or to zealously represent clients in court. For divorce cases,
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our experienced and efficient Lawyers will work with you to obtain the relevant
decrees and parenting plan that works for you and your family. Our Family Law
Practice extends to virtually every aspect of family life, including:
o Dissolution of Marriage;
o Child Custody;
o Child Support;
o Parent/Child Relocation;
o Mediation/Arbitration;
o Alimony;
o International Custody;
o Adoption;
o Prenuptial Agreements;
o Mid-Marriage Agreements;
o Domestic Violence;
o Equitable Distribution;
Our Firm’s outstanding handling of Family Law cases was particularly brought to fore
in the celebrated case of Bhojwani v. Bhojwani [1995] 7 NWLR (Pt. 407) @ 349 which
dealt with domicile in determination of jurisdiction to entertain divorce proceedings.
• PROPERTY & CONVEYANCE
In this area, the firm principally represents corporate clients, multilateral instructions,
banks and private individuals and Estates. We advise routinely on a variety of
commercial and residential lettings and investment and the Firm has extensive
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experience in the negotiation and execution of asset acquisition, management and
disposition in this regard.
• PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW
Historically, the phrase “International Law” was used to describe the rules and
principles that govern the conduct between nations. Increasingly, however, a
distinction has emerged within the field of International law between Public
International law, and Private International Law (also “International Private Law”),
which, instead, deals with the controversies between private individuals and
companies, where the parties have significant ties to more than one country.
Abiodun Adesanya and Co is experienced in the representation of multinational and
foreign / foreign-based clients in international legal disputes most especially in matters
relating to the enforcement of foreign judgments, and we are prepared to put that
experience to work for you.
OIL & GAS LAW
Oil and Gas Law generally involves the regulation of the petroleum industry as regards
exploration, exploitation and general transactions of the oil and gas sector.
In this area, the firm stocks a team of highly experienced lawyers who have a deep
understanding of the intricacies of the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. The firm has
represented several clients ranging from indigenous to international and multinational
companies. We have also handled litigation worth millions of dollars for medium oil
and gas companies.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property law deals with the rules for securing and enforcing legal rights to
inventions, designs, and artistic works. Just as the law protects ownership of personal
property and real estate, so too does it protect the exclusive control of intangible
assets. The purpose of these laws is to give an incentive for people to develop creative
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works that benefit society, by ensuring they can profit from their works without fear
of misappropriation by others.
Infringement (in Intellectual property law) refers to the unauthorized use of
intellectual property. To protect against infringement, owners should take steps to put
the world on notice that their rights exist. Providing notice helps deter infringement by
making the owner’s rights more visible to those who might inadvertently violate them.
It also triggers additional legal benefits, and puts the owner in a better position to
prosecute an infringement in court, if that becomes necessary.
If infringement does occur, rights to intellectual property can be enforced in Federal
High Court. Before filing a lawsuit, however, owners will want to consult with an
attorney and carefully consider whether litigation is in their best interests.
In the event an owner of intellectual property does sue, and the lawsuit is successful, a
number of remedies will be available. The court can order an injunction, meaning the
infringer must stop what it is doing. Substantial money damages may also be available.
In addition, once the owner’s rights are established in court, the infringer may agree to
a license agreement. This allows use of the intellectual property to continue, with
payments going to the owner.
Abiodun Adesanya & Co. provides profound services in Intellectual Property; and
thus is available to help owners who are looking to establish, profit from, or defend
such rights.
The solicitorial wing of the Firm vigorously engages in the drafting, structuring and
clausing of contracts such as:
o Copyright Assignment Agreement
o Copyright License Agreement
o End User License Agreement
o Invention Agreement
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o Patent Assignment Agreement
o Patent License Agreement
o Proprietary Information Agreement
o Technology Transfer Agreement
o Trademark Assignment Agreement
o Trademark License Agreement
CAPITAL MARKET INVESTMENT
Capital markets are markets for buying and selling equity and debt instruments. Capital
markets channel savings and investment between suppliers of capital such as retail
investors and institutional investors, and users of capital like businesses, government
and individuals. Capital markets include primary markets, where new stock and bond
issues are sold to investors, and secondary markets, which trade existing securities.
Abiodun Adesanya & Co. provides advice on a broad spectrum of capital market
transactions, including;
o Corporate Restructurings
o Divestitures
o Schemes of Arrangement and Reconstruction
o Derivatives
o Stock Exchange Listings
o Collective Investment Schemes
o IPOs, GDRs
o Public Offers of Debt and Equity
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The firm equally engages in the drafting, structuring and clausing of contracts such as:
o Investment Agreements
o Investment Plan
o Investors’ Rights Agreement
o Shareholder Agreement
o Shareholders' Rights Agreements
o Stock Appreciation Rights Agreements
o Stock Grant Agreement
o Stock Option Agreement
o Stock Option Plan
o Stock Plan
o Stock Purchase Agreement
o Stock Transfer Agreement
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Many State Laws and Federal Acts require businesses, organizations, and individuals to
file certain forms and produce documents as a prerequisite for certain acts. The
Investment & Securities Act, for example, requires registration of many types of public
offers to sell or buy securities. The Companies and Allied Matters Act requires a series
of filings at various stages such as incorporation of company; annual returns; change
of director/secretary etc.
Some also require a series of filings in order to obtain licenses or permits for certain
business activities such as oil explorations, drilling and marketing, to ensure
compliance with local health codes; zoning and environmental laws.
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Abiodun Adesanya & Co. has unparalleled relationship with (among others) the
following regulatory bodies:
o Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
o Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
o Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC)
o Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON)
o Ministry of Lands
o State & Federal Inland Revenue Services (IRS/FIRS)
o Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)
o Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)
o National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement
Agency (NESREA)
o National Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC)
o National Administration of Food & Drugs Enforcement Agency
(NAFDAC)
• TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW
Telecommunications involves the rules and regulations that govern the provision of
telecommunications equipment, network infrastructure, and services.
We provide legal advice on regulatory, spectrum management, access, interconnection,
authorization and licensing issues. We also provide support to our clients by securing
the necessary permits and authorizations from the relevant regulators and government
organizations. Through our vast experience combined with cost-effective service, we
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offer invaluable ways to help you manage the regulatory obligations facing virtually all
communications service providers.
Our in-house expert in Telecommunications Law in the personof Sheriff Abiodun
Adesanya is currently writing a PhD thesis concerning the reform of regulation of the
telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
MERGERS &ACQUISITIONS
Mergers and Acquisitions are core areas of corporate law practice. The law firm of
Abiodun Adesanya and Co. has been involved in these areas of law since inception.
We have handled different types of mergers ranging from small to medium and large
scale mergers. We have also represented clients in acquisitions worth millions of
Naira. Our team of lawyers has garnered experience in this field over the years and
they are more than capable to handle the challenges involved with mergers and
acquisitions.
• ADR & ARBITRATION
Arbitration is one of the leading methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution across the
globe; its impact in Dispute Resolution in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. In this
area our law firm can boast of highly qualified, practicning Arbitrators who have
handled high profile Arbitration in the following areas:-
o Construction Arbitration
o Contracts and Agreements
o Trade Disputes
o Commercial Arbitration
o Information Technology Arbitration
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OUR TEAM
The Abiodun Adesanya & Co Team comprises:
FOUNDER
LATE PROFESSOR SAFIRIYU ABIODUN ADESANYA (SAN) was an eminent
lawyer, a Ph.D holder, a Barrister of the Inner Temple, a Professor of Law, a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria, a Bencher and a member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary
Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Acquiring his LLB degree in London in 1962 and a BL from the Inner Temple Inns of
Court, he was called to the Bar in Trinity Term in 1965 qualifying top of his class of 2000
students. Subsequently, he was appointed from London as an Assistant Lecturer in Law at
the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where he taught for 12 years.
In 1966, he was sponsored to the Queen’s University of Belfast where he finished his
PhD degree in 18 months under Sir Francis H Newark, Q.C and Professor W.L Twinning
becoming an E.S Montgomery Scholar and Sir Thomas Dixon Scholar in the process. In
1977, he left for the University of Lagos where he became an Associate Professor of Law.
In 1979, he was appointed as Professor of Law and Head of the Department of public
law.
He gracefully and voluntarily retired from Law teaching in 1984 and became a full-time
Legal Practitioner. In 1993, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and subsequently
became a Bencher and a member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee of the
Nigerian Bar Association.
He was the author of many publications including law books, monographs, contributions
to other books, and several articles in the learned Law Journals.
His legacy remains strong as exemplified by the exceptionally brilliant team of lawyers he
mentored, and the numerous landmark cases he won in his lifetime.
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MANAGING PARTNER
SHERIFF ABIODUN ADESANYA ESQ is a bright and tenacious lawyer with a
flair for innovative ideas. He attended the prestigious Bradfield College, Berkshire,
England where he completed his A-levels before gaining admission to the University of
Exeter where he graduated with a Second Class Upper after which he went on to the
Nigerian Law School and passed his Bar Finals. He also has a Masters of Laws (LL.M) in
Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary, University of London and is currently
a PhD candidate at the University of Leicester. His Doctoral thesis is concerned with the
reform of the regulation of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.He is a seasoned
litigator having successfully argued matters both at the Trial and Appellate Courts and
even against Senior Advocates of Nigeria. He has also been involved in the recovery of
billions of naira for various Client’s in Nigeriaincluding, but not limited to, Sterling Bank
Plc, Unity Bank Plc,Wema Bank Nigeria PLC, NITEL Plc (In Liquidation) to name but a
few. He is also a regular face at the National Industrial Court, where he has appeared and
argued for both employees and employers on countless occasions. He also took part in
the subsequent out of court settlement resulting from the Landmark Supreme Court
Decision in the case of Longe V. First Bank of Nigeria PLC (2010) 6 NWLR (pt 1189) 1 S.C.
Mr. Adesanya is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos branch and
alsoa member of the International Bar Association. He is also a member of the Centre for
Consumer and Essential Services (CCES), United Kingdom which combines legal and
social policy expertise to explore the effects for consumers of regulation and provision of
essential services. Till date, the CCES has carried out research and consultancy work done
projects for Which?, Consumer Focus, E.ON and UNISON (the Public service union)
amongst many other.
Practice Areas
Telecommunications Law, Regulatory Compliance, International Commercial, Civil
Litigation - Conflicts of Law, Property &Conveyance, Commercial & Corporate Law,
Labour Law
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HEAD OF CHAMBERS
MORUFU ADEBAYO GBADEBOattended University of Lagos for his Bachelor
Degree and graduated in 1995. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and he was
called to Bar in 1996.
He has remained in private practice ever since and worked in various law firm, both in
Lagos and Kano State including Dr. OluOnagoruwa Chambers and Dele Olaniyan& Co.
he has appeared in various Courts of first instance and appellate Courts in Nigeria
including Supreme Court.
He has a Masters Degree (M.A.) in African Law from the Institute of African Studies,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
He has a bias for the Property& Conveyance, Civil Litigation, Labor Law and Commercial
& Corporate.
DEPUTY HEAD OF CHAMBERS
WAHEED KASALIattended Lagos State University, Ojo where he bagged his LL.B
(Hons) Degree in 1997. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and he has since been
in active practice with Messrs Abiodun Adesanya & Co. He has repeatedly shown a
passion for individual and collective goals being achieved. He has also handled and
appeared in Land mark cases from the State High Court up to the Appellate Court and
Supreme Court both personally or with the late Principal in Civil Litigation, Admiralty,
Contract, Company Law, Commercial Labour Law, Administration of Estate Law, Land
matters and Family Law just to mention a view. He also made useful contributions to
some of the Land Mark in Nigeria cases which are now locus classicusin various areas of
Nigeria Law which cases include: -
- Odutola V. Papersack (Nig) Ltd. (2006) 18 NWLR (pt 1012) 470.
- Longe V. First Bank of Nigeria PLC (2010) 6 NWLR (pt 1189) 1 S.C.
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- Texaco Panama Inc. v. Shell P.D.C.N. Ltd. (2002) 5 NWLR (Pt.759) @ 209
- Shining Star Nig. Ltd & Anor v AKS Steel Nig. Ltd &Ors SC. 101/2010
- F.R.N. v Ifegwu {2003] 15 NWLR (Pt. 842) @ 2003.
Till date he is in active legal practice in various areas of the Nigerian Law.
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation, Commercial & Corporate, Family law, Fundamental Rights Enforcement
and Regulatory Compliance
ASSOCIATE:
KANABE SANI ALUNEGBEis a diligent and dedicated lawyer whose passion for
the Legal profession propelled him to see the profession as a worthy vocation. He
obtained a National Diploma in Accounting from the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo
State in 2005. He proceeded to Madonna University OkijaAnambra State where he bagged
his LL.B degree in 2012 with a 2nd Class upper Division and was called to the Nigeria Bar
in 2014. While in the University, he served as a Moot Court Registrar in 2010. In 2011 he
was made a distinguished advocate in the Faculty of Law in Madonna University; and in
2012 he was appointed the President of the Court of Appeal Madonna University Moot
Court. He won the Usagbe Club of Nigeria Scholarship Award for Tertiary Institution in
2007 and the Enesegbe Club of Nigeria Scholarship Award for excellence 2001.
Before his admission into the Nigeria Law School, he did his NYSC in 2013 with Ifedore
Local Government IgbaraOke in Ondo State where he served as the Special Adviser to
the Local Government Chairman on Legal Matters.
He is complete gentleman, energetic, innovative; a motivator per excellence and a dynamic
team player. He joined the Law firm of Messrs Abiodun Adesanya & Co. after his call to
the Bar and has contributed to the growth of the firm and has continued to contribute
towards the good name and reputation of the firm through his handwork and
unquestionable character.
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Practice Areas
Property &Conveyance, Family Law, Commercial & Corporate, Intellectual Property ad
Civil Litigation
ASSOCIATE:
OMOWUNMI ABDULKAREEMattended Al-Azhar (Oum Alqura) University,
Egypt, where he obtained his LL.B (Hons) Degree in 2009; and further obtained a Master
Degree in International Law and Diplomacy (M.ILD) in University of Lagos in 2012. He
proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
Prior to bar admission, Omowunmi Abdulkareem had worked as a paralegal with the
Citizens Right Department, Ministry of Justice, Ogun State, where he vigorously partook
in the daily Mediation Process.
Before joining the firm, Omowunmi Abdulkareem had the following opportunities;
1. To participate in Public offer for subscription of 650,000,000 ordinary shares of
the Tourists Company of Nigeria plc. (Owner of Federal Palace Hotels & Towers).
2. To participate in establishment of the Real Estate Investment Fund, An
Investment Trust Scheme.
3. To conduct a number of Perfections at the Ministry of Lands, Lagos State and
Bureau of Lands, Governor’s Office, Ogun State.
4. To conduct due diligence at various Agencies, particularly Standards Organization
of Nigeria (SON); Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Copyright Society of
Nigeria (COSON) and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and
Control (NAFDAC).
5. To conduct a wide scope of legal research, and draft the Rulings and/or Judgments
of a number of high-profiled cases.
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Upon joining the firm (and within a short period) Omowunmi Abdulkareem has virtually
and independently appeared in different superior courts without supervision.
He is a member of the Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA).
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation, Property & Conveyance, Corporate Finance, Labor Law, Regulatory
Compliance, Capital Market& Investment
ASSOCIATE:
SUSAN OBEHI OZIEGBE
Susan obtained her LL.B (Hons) degree from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo
State. She attended the Nigerian Law School Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in
the year 2015. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with keen eyes for
transactional details. She has an excellent poise under pressure and possesses exceptional
interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
Practice areas:
Civil Litigation, Arbitration & ADR, Commercial & Corporate and Property &
Consultancy
CONSULTANT
PROFESSOR TAIWO OSIPITAN (SAN) obtained his LL.B (Hons) Degree from
the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. He attended the Nigerian Law School in 1981,
where he distinguished himself by winning the Justice Somolu Memorial Prize for the best
Student in Civil Procedure. He subsequently attended the London School of Economics
and Political. He obtained his LL.M Degree from the University of London. He joined
the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos in January, 1983 as a Lecturer II and steadily rose
to the position of Professor of Public Law University of Lagos, Akoka in October,
1997. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2002 by the Legal
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Practitioners Privileges Committee. Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) specializes in
Company Law, Debt Recovery, Insolvency, Insurance, General Litigation and Mergers &
Acquisition among other practice areas.
OUR CLIENTELEincludes:
International Finance Corporation.
AIC Limited.
Chellerams PLC.
Globacom Nigeria Limited.
Conoil Producing PLC.
Sterling Bank PLC.
Unity Bank PLC.
Heritage Bank PLC.
Dr. Mike Adenuga.
Lord Chief UdensiIfegwu.
Forte Oil.
Wema Bank Nigeria PLC.
Contact Details:
Bookshop House (2nd Floor),
50/52, Broad Street, Lagos, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.abiodunadesanya.com
Tel: +234 (0) 1 2806627 +234 (0) 1 2635735
Fax: 01-2806628