Law firm honours founders at 20th anniversary

A leading commercial and dispute resolution law firm, AELEX, has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving legal landscape  as it marked its 20th anniversary with a dinner and awards ceremony in Lagos.

The event, held last week on Victoria Island, was tagged  “AELEX Celebrates 20 Years of Legal Brilliance.”

The dinner was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including lawyers from various firms and well-wishers of AELEX.

Notable attendees included the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); daughter of Vanguard Newspaper’s publisher, Mrs Omasan Dudu; among others.

In his welcome address, AELEX Managing Partner Adedapo Tunde-Olowu (SAN), reflected on two decades of the firm’s excellence, innovation, and growth.

“Twenty years ago, AELEX was founded with a vision to create a law firm that not only provided exceptional legal services but also fostered a culture of integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility,” Tunde-Olowu said.

He lauded the founding partners — Mrs. Olufunke Adekoya (SAN), Mr. Soji Awogbade, Mr. Fubara Anga (SAN), and Mr. Theophilus Emuwa — for their visionary leadership.

“As I look around this room, I see the faces of those who have been integral to making that vision a reality. Each of you has played a significant role in our journey, and we are profoundly grateful,” he added.

Tunde-Olowu also expressed gratitude to AELEX’s alumni and retired partners, stating, “Your contributions have laid the foundation upon which AELEX stands today. Your legacy of excellence and leadership continues to inspire us. We are proud to carry forward the torch you lit and celebrate you as an indelible part of our history.”

Acknowledging the clients of AELEX, he noted, “Your trust and partnership have been the cornerstone of our achievements. You have challenged us to be our best and have entrusted us with your most complex and critical matters. We are honoured to serve you and remain committed to exceeding your expectations.”

Tunde-Olowu also praised the firm’s staff, calling them the “heartbeat of AELEX.”

He said, “Your hard work, dedication, and passion make AELEX a great place to work and a formidable force in the legal industry. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our clients and our firm.”

As AELEX looks to the future, Tunde-Olowu emphasised the firm’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

“This celebration is not just about our past achievements but also a toast to the future. It is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose and vision,” he said.

The event featured the presentation of various awards. Founders Legacy Awards were given to Mrs Olufunke Adekoya (SAN), Mr Soji Awogbade, Mr Fubara Anga (SAN), and Mr. Theophilus Emuwa.

 Emuwa, a founding partner and head of tax practice, presented the Pioneer Service Awards to Mr Adedapo Tunde-Olowu (SAN), Mr Olanipekun Orewale, Mr Olusina Sipasi, Mr Obiora Anyanwu, Mrs Olufunke Balepo, Mr Maxwell Bassey, Mr Bassey Jack, and Mr Emem Obot.

Founded on July 1, 2004, by the merger of four leading commercial law firms—the first of its kind in Nigeria—AELEX has grown into one of the largest law firms in West Africa, with offices in major cities across the region.

The firm provides excellent legal services to multinational and local companies across various sectors.

AELEX, headquartered in Lagos with additional offices in Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Accra, Ghana, boasts 11 partners, two international counsel, and over 60 lawyers.

The firm is notable for having three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (the equivalent of a Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom). Over 300 lawyers have passed through AELEX, with its alumni excelling globally across industries.

AELEX lawyers are admitted to practice in several jurisdictions, including Nigeria, New York, Texas, Ghana, England, and Wales. The firm’s multidisciplinary qualifications extend to political science, economics, business administration, cybersecurity, data protection, and engineering.

The law firm is also known for providing legal advisory services on major transactions and projects across its practice areas.

AELEX has earned a reputation for excellence in litigation and arbitration, real estate, infrastructure, fintech, corporate/commercial law, international trade, media and entertainment, oil and gas, energy, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, labour and employment, banking and finance, foreign direct investment, intellectual property and technology, transportation, capital markets, environment, and telecommunications.