Detail Commercial Solicitors, Nigeria’s leading non-court room solicitors’ firm, has appointed Dolapo Kukoyi as Managing Partner of the firm. Ms. Kukoyi takes over from the Founder and Lead Partner, Ayuli Jemide.
Mr. Ayuli will continue to Chair the Committee of Partners of the firm with greater focus on client origination, high value transactions, talent growth, and building new practice areas.
The firm has also admits 3 new partners: Abiodun Oyeledun, Temidayo Ajayi Bello and Chukwudi Ofili. Odunola Onadipe who was the lead administrator has also stepped into a new role as the firm’s Lead Interface Manager with greater business development, communication, and client interface responsibilities.
According to the firm, Dolapo, Abiodun, Temidayo, Chukwudi, Odunola have spent 16, 10, 5, 2 and 9 years respectively and have all made remarkably distinct
contributions to the growth of the firm.
Speaking about the appointments, the firm’s Lead Partner, Ayuli Jemide stated “this announcement gives me great pleasure because it speaks to organic growth with flavorings of longevity, diversity, and collegiality. The strength of any professional services firm are people who stay elastic in all dimensions.’’
The new appointees expressed gratitude and indicated their readiness and enthusiasm to take on the new roles.
Brief profiles of the new partners
Dolapo Kukoyi
Dolapo is one of the leading lawyers in Nigeria’s Power sector with extensive experience advising clients in the private sector, government agencies and regulators on a wide range of complex transactions. “She stands out as perhaps the most knowledgeable lawyer in the country on the Nigerian power industry.” Chambers & Partners, global commentary 2019.
Dolapo combines her strong legal background and industry knowledge to add value to each transaction. Her attention to the intricacies of every brief sets her apart as a pillar of support to clients.
With over 15 years’ experience, Dolapo is an avid speaker and thought leader, passionate about increasing energy access in Nigeria and across Africa by leveraging private finance with the use of viable business and project models.
Dolapo enjoys listening to music, singing and playing golf.
Abiodun Oyeledun
Abiodun leads the Finance & Capital Markets Practice and the Real Estate & Construction Practice at DETAIL. A proven subject matter expert in traditional bank-led project finance, project bonds and equity investments, he has been invited to speak at several engagements in the sector. Abiodun also brings his immense knowledge of the capital markets to every transaction. His vast transactional experience complements his desire to add value to clients through innovative solutions and attention to details.
With a sterling reputation as a versatile finance lawyer able to handle complex structures, Abiodun received the “Nigerian Rising Star Award” as one of the top 40 Nigerian lawyers under the age of 40 at the Nigerian Legal Award 2018. Abiodun has also authored several articles including a contribution to the “2018 Project Finance Report” by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR).
In his spare time, Abiodun goes jogging, is playing video games or listening to rap music.
Temidayo Ajayi
Temidayo is an astute commercial lawyer who leads the firm’s Corporate & Commercial and Private Equity teams. She has a passion for excellence and goes the extra mile to meet clients’ needs. Temidayo has considerable knowledge of private equity transaction dynamics with experience advising on varied transactions across the private equity value chain. She is adept at drafting and negotiating fund and investment documentation.
Temidayo is skilled in handling legal issues that affect clients’ day-to-day operations and putting clients at ease with her capacity to communicate effectively. Her practical approach in proffering solutions to address the complex legal needs of clients has earned her praises from clients for her professionalism, responsiveness and competence.
Temidayo enjoys adventures, trying new things, watching movies and singing.
Chukwudi Ofili
Chukwudi is the recipient of the “Nigerian Rising Star Award” as one of the top 40 Nigerian lawyers under the age of 40 at the Nigerian Legal Award 2019 and was featured as “Africa’s Top Legal Millennial” by the Peoples’ Accolade Law Magazine in 2021.
He leads the Technology and Digital Economy practice area as well as the Legal Tax Advisory practice area. He is qualified to practice law in Nigeria and in the State of New York.
With his background as a finance lawyer, he has also advised on a broad range of financing and commercial transactions such as corporate and project finance; project development; public-private partnerships; private equity; derivative transactions; the tax implication of different financing structures and asset holding structures; as well as the tax implication of providing cross border services. His experience also includes providing foreign investment advisory services.
He was a Visiting Lawyer at Trinity International LLP in London where he worked with the Finance and Projects team on several international transactions, with focus on projects across the African continent. Chukwudi also had a brief stint at the headquarters of The Coca Cola Company, Atlanta, USA where he worked with the legal team on cybersecurity, imports and OFAC compliance issues.
He is also the current Secretary of the Taxation Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law.
He enjoys watching football, cycling, watching movies and mentoring.
