John Ojelabi

Associate, SimmonsCooper Partners

John is an Associate at SimmonsCooper Partners, he plays a pivotal role in the firm's success, particularly in the dynamic city of Abuja, Nigeria. John leads our SME & Aggregated Service Team and has consistently demonstrated his versatility across a spectrum of industries, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), telecommunications, and energy. His innovative thinking and deep knowledge add significant value to clients navigating complex legal terrain.

John's dedication to the legal profession has earned him several notable awards and recognitions. In 2019, he was honoured with the Prize for Overall Best Student in Law of Taxation at Lagos State University. His commitment to excellence was recognized in 2018 when he received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. He also received the prestigious 2018 Impact Maker Award from the Lagos State University Law Students’ Society.

In 2017, John achieved the distinction of being named the Best Student Advocate in Nigeria at the Lagos Court of Arbitration – Young Arbitrators (LCA-YAN) International Commercial Moot. His advocacy skills were further highlighted when he secured the First Runner-Up position at the SimmonsCooper Advocacy Development (SCAD) in 2018. Additionally, John Ojelabi's legal prowess earned him the Second Runner-Up position at the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot in 2018.

He co-authored an article titled “Law and Business Series: A review of the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022: Companies And Allied Matters Act, 2020, Published on Mondaq- 2023.

Membership of Professional Associations
• Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• NBA Section on Business Law.
• Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA)

Background
John holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos Nigeria 2018 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019. John became a part of the SimmonsCooper Partners team in January 2020 and has since contributed to the growth and development of the firm, while ensuring optimal client satisfaction.



Experience & expertise

Selected Matters

Some of John's key projects and contributions include:

• Advisory for a leading tech-enabled healthcare investment company that specializes in healthcare infrastructure projects across Africa on its intended participation in the Nigerian market.

• Advisory for the Nigerian Government on the privatization of a $50,000,000 power asset in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria.

• Successful representation of a gas supplier in negotiations and review of Gas Supply Agreement for supply of natural gas to a major off taker in the power sector.

• Advisory for a Delaware Sate company on its regulatory and business obligations under Nigeria and International laws.

• Advisory and legal review for the draft of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill 2019 now Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.


Sectors

Technology

Healthcare

Telecommunications

Energy


Services

Corporate, Commercial & Finance

General Contracts, Media & Technology

SMEs & Aggregated Services

Energy, Projects & Transport

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Commercial & Civil Litigation


Experience & expertise

Some of John's key projects and contributions include:

• Advisory for a leading tech-enabled healthcare investment company that specializes in healthcare infrastructure projects across Africa on its intended participation in the Nigerian market.

• Advisory for the Nigerian Government on the privatization of a $50,000,000 power asset in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria.

• Successful representation of a gas supplier in negotiations and review of Gas Supply Agreement for supply of natural gas to a major off taker in the power sector.

• Advisory for a Delaware Sate company on its regulatory and business obligations under Nigeria and International laws.

• Advisory and legal review for the draft of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill 2019 now Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.


Contact John