Olaniwun Ajayi LP

Konyin Ajayi SAN

  • Ph.D., Selwyn College, University of Cambridge.
  • LL.M., Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • BL., Nigerian Law School, Lagos
  • LL.B., University of Ife.

Biography

Konyin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Partner at the Firm, has over four decades of experience spanning litigation, arbitration and transactional practice. A Harvard and Cambridge trained lawyer and scholar, he is widely recognized as counsel and advisor in high-stakes litigation and arbitration matters. Konyin has acted in significant arbitral proceedings, including representing an oil and gas company in a US$20 million LCIA arbitration, acting for an international oil company in a US$606 million crude oil supply dispute, representing an investor in an ICC arbitration in both telecoms and power sector, and advising an electricity distribution company in a US$5.5 million arbitration involving Nigeria’s energy value chain. He has also been involved in state investment arbitrations. These cases highlight his extensive arbitration expertise across the oil and gas, energy, and infrastructure disputes. In addition to dispute resolution, Konyin regularly advises on banking, project finance, capital markets, power, infrastructure, M&A, energy and natural resources, and privatization. He also sits on several boards, including the board of Dangote Fertiliser Ltd., Leadway Holdings Limited and was on the advisory committee of the African CDD Repository Platform of Afreximbank. Konyin frequently contributes to national and continental policy reform. He currently serves as the chairman of the Capital Market Master Plan Implementation Committee and was a consultant to the UN Economic Commission for Africa on interstate infrastructure. He is also the author of several books and peer reviewed articles on law, theology and politics. He is a professor of banking law.

Recognitions

Chambers and Partners (Banking & Finance – Nigeria): Konyinsola Ajayi is noted for his ability to provide “high-level direction” on matters, and is a seasoned and well-known figure in banking and finance. He has a varied practice, including advising borrowers on financing mandates, and demonstrates energy sector experience. Chambers and Partners (Corporate/Commercial – Nigeria): Konyinsola Ajayi is widely recognised by market commentators as a leading individual for transactional work. He has cross-border M&A experience and a notable energy sector presence. His banking and dispute resolution expertise complements his corporate work. Chambers and Partners (Dispute Resolution – Nigeria): Sources say of Konyinsola Ajayi: “His reputation precedes him with respect to dispute resolution. He has an extremely gentle mien and an extremely deep intellect in terms of issues of the law, and he does his research.” His work includes acting for energy companies and banks.