Olaniwun Ajayi LP

Wolemi Esan SAN

  • MBA, Durham Business School, Durham University
  • LL.M, University College London
  • BL, Nigerian Law School
  • LL.B, Lagos State University

Biography

Wolemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Deputy Managing Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, is widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s foremost transaction and dispute lawyers, with an exceptional reputation across the commercial and energy sectors. Chambers Global describes him as “a standout lawyer with a tremendous reputation in the market,” underscoring his stature in arbitration and the wider commercial law community. Wolemi advises extensively on energy and infrastructure asset development, privatization, acquisition, financing, and operations. He regularly advises on complex corporate and commercial transactions, including financing deals, mergers, and acquisitions across Nigeria’s economic spectrum. This dual expertise cements his position as one of the rare Nigerian lawyers seamlessly straddling both arbitration and transactional advisory work, making him a trusted counsel for clients navigating intricate disputes and sophisticated commercial mandates. Wolemi has played pivotal roles in sector-shaping disputes and complex restructurings, where he has been instrumental in safeguarding stakeholder interests in high-stakes matters. He has acted in significant arbitrations arising from energy and infrastructure transactions, including disputes connected to a US$371 million facility involving a syndicate of banks, a US$180 million utility restructuring, and a US$114 million power financing transaction. His advocacy is distinguished by precision, commercial acumen, and a deep sectoral understanding of the industries in which his clients operate.

Publications

  • Oil and Gas Regulation in Nigeria: An Overview. Published in Practical Law Multijurisdictional Guide, 2014- Energy and Natural Resources
  • Electricity Regulation in Nigeria: An Overview. Published in Practical Law Multijurisdictional Guide.
  • Construction and Projects in Nigeria: An Overview. Published in Practical Law Multijurisdictional Guide.

Recognitions

Chambers and Partners (Banking & Finance – Nigeria): Deemed by sources: a standout lawyer with a tremendous reputation in the market, Wolemi Esan is engaged on derivatives transactions and loan restructuring.” Clients enthuse: “He is dynamic in his legal advice. He has a very sound mind and is quick on his feet. Chambers and Partners (Project & Energy – Nigeria): Wolemi Esan displays an aptitude in a range of areas that cuts across the power and infrastructure practice, oil and gas and commercial transactions”, according to sources. One interviewee enthused: “He is extremely proactive and always goes over and beyond the call of duty to ensure our needs as a client are fully met and to ensure the team is fully mobilised to meet our expectations and timelines.