We are proud to announce the admissions of Mr. Damilola Salawu and
Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Sharfi’i (Rtd) into the partnership of
Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
Symbolic of our Firm’s continued growth, their admissions bring a new mix of skill, reach and expertise to our partnership, broadens the core of our Firm, and furthers our ability to meet our clients’ needs.
Damilola, in his ten years with the Firm, has left no one in doubt of his tenacity, passion, and industry as a trusted advisor to many.
His areas of focus and experience lie in debt financings generally and in financing the development of petroleum assets and related infrastructure using corporate finance and project finance approaches; the acquisition of petroleum assets; and advising clients in the technology and fintech subsectors.
His most notable works include advising different groups of lenders over the last five (5) years, on the $13Billion financing for the development of the integrated refinery and petrochemical plant (projected to be the world’s largest single oil refinery at completion) currently being developed by Dangote Group and the very recently announced divestment by the single largest shareholder in Forte Oil Plc of over 75% of the company’s shares.
A trailblazer; Damilola spearheaded and still drives Olaniwun Ajayi’s market leading Technology, Innovation and Fintech Practice. Not only is he a household name in this space, he is a key resource person; thought leader; and trusted advisor to leading stakeholders in the ecosystem including investors, incubators and founders.
A leader; Damilola has over the last 4 years demonstrated outstanding leadership and management skills, as he was until recently the Head of Practice of both our ‘Oil and Gas Practice’ and our ‘Technology, Innovation and Fintech’ Practice.
A graduate of the University of Lagos (LL.B); Bentham House, University College, London (LL.M) and the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University (MAP), Damilola has learned to understand and solve local problems with an international perspective. He recently sharpened these skills as a Visiting Associate at the London offices of Slaughter & May LLP.
He is a member of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (UK) and has been recognized by international directories including Who’s Who Legal 2018 and Chambers and Partners 2019 as being
“very dynamic and able to respond with good advice”.
With great pride, we introduce to you:
Mr. Damilola Salawu – Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
Air Vice Marshal Shafi’i has over the course of the past 30 years, served in various capacities in the Nigerian Air Force. He was until recently the Director of Legal Services at the Defence headquarters in Abuja.
Together with his team, he advised the Military on legal issues, including: military contracting; litigation; procurement; and general legal and regulatory advisory.
Retaining the hats of lawyer and serviceman, He was: a member of the National Committee on Corruption and Economic Crimes that drafted the law for the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission; a member of the committee for the review of the Armed Forces Act; pioneer legal adviser to the Nigerian Air Force Foundation; Chairman of the Military Law Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.
He also served as prosecutor for several high profile servicemen, as well as a defence counsel at general court Martials, during the early 1990s.
A graduate of the Bayero University Kano (LL.B); Command and Staff College, Jaji; the Nigerian Law School, Lagos; the National Defence College, Abuja; and the University of Ibadan (MS.C, Strategic Studies) – he combines his legal expertise with his strategic training, thereby bringing a unique perspective to the delivery of legal advisory services.
Noted for his meticulousness and diligence, he has been awarded various honours and awards including: the Distinguished Service Star (DSS); Meritorious Service Star (MSS); Forces Service Star (FSS).
With great pleasure, we introduce to you –
Air Vice Marshal Shafi’i – Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP.