Aluko & Oyebode is a full-service corporate law firm in Nigeria. The firm was founded in 1993 and has grown to have over 80 attorneys and offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a very strong practice in every ranked area in Nigeria, achieving top tier status across all of them.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships within the banking and finance industry, specifically with MTN Nigeria Communications, Bank of Baroda, Standard Chartered Bank, FirstRand Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Absa Bank, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan.
In capital markets the firm has connections with Consolidated Receipts Management, FCMB Asset Management, Rand Merchant Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, Coronation Merchant Bank, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, MTN Group, Allianz Nigeria Insurance, and Lekoil.
In M&A the firm has developed bonds with Access Corporation, Allianz Crown, Flour Mills, Petrobras International Braspetro, Metropolitan International Holdings, and Lafarge Africa.
In project development the firm has relationships with Africa Infra Plus Fund, China Development Bank, Shelter Afrique, Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation, and International Flavors & Fragrances.
In project finance it has connections with Petrogap Oil and Gas, Africa Infra Plus Fund, Guaranty Trust Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Guaranty Trust Bank, First City Monument Bank, and Polaris Bank.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, project development, and project finance.
In banking the firm worked on financings and refinancings for mainly lenders connected with the banking and financial services sectors.
In debt capital markets the firm worked on bond and note issues mainly for issuers in the banking, financial services, technology and telecommunications, and oil and gas sectors.
In equity capital markets the firm worked on secondary share offerings such as private placement and rights issue for issuers linked to the banking and construction and materials sectors.
In M&A the firm worked on corporate restructurings, mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, and divestments for clients linked to the financial services, insurance, healthcare, and energy sectors.
In project development the firm worked on both power and infrastructure projects for clients in the construction and materials, banking, industrials and manufacturing, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors.
In project finance the firm advised mainly lenders connected with the financial services and real estate sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Access Bank $700 million financing
Access Holdings N564 billion indirect acquisition of Sigma Pensions
Africa Finance Corporation €100 million financing
Atom Consumer Services N437 million acquisition of Royal Exchange Healthcare
Bank of Industry €1 billion financing
Coronation Merchant Bank N100 billion note issue
Sundry Foods N10 billion note issue
The Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa (Shelter Afrique) N200 billion bond issue
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking
“Their qualities included availability and their expertise on banking transaction.”
“Very good, strong knowledge of Nigerian law.”
“Right from the very top of the firm, you see a firm committed to the client's work. While it remains a thriving firm, they will never prioritise money over the work. Eventually, you are left with no choice but to give them their full dues for the excellent work done.”
Capital markets : Debt
“They worked as solicitors to a few Commercial Paper mandates and worked as solicitors to the Issue on a few bond transactions in the past few years.”
M&A
“They are very knowledgeable and practically hold your hand through the different stages of the transaction; they always stick to and deliver even with very strict timelines and deadlines; they are always available to jump on calls even with very little notice; they are very accommodating and are just as invested in seeing the transaction to a successful close.”
Project finance
“Very professional, courteous and they work very well with international counsel.”
Ajibola Asolo
“Brilliant legal mind, client-focused, diligent and attentive to detail.”
Kofo Dosekun
“Easily the most experienced female banking and finance partner in Nigeria. Whether she is on your side or on the opposite side, all you see is a lawyer working to ensure the deal closes in a manner that is commercially sensible. A solid stateswoman!”
Kareemat Ijaiya
“Very positive attitude. Always willing to help. Very professional and approachable.”
Ayomide Ogunsesan
“Efficient, reliable, problem-solving, good communication, prompt, accessible and reachable, and very knowledgeable.”
Funmilayo Otsemobor
“An industry expert, responsive and brilliant.”
“Very good.”
Ayodeji Oyetunde
“Availability, quick feedback and expertise on market.”
“He is approachable, reliable and an excellent, well-rounded lawyer.”
“He is a pleasure to work with, very skilled and knowledgeable.”
Oludare Senbore
“Oludare offers availability and expertise.”
“Dare loves his work and looks for creative solutions to navigate issues. A leading partner!”
Reginald Udom
“Excellent lawyer and good communicator. He works brilliantly with international counsel and is focused on client success.”
