Adenike Adeyemi, a Nigerian business and development leader with more than 23 years of experience in executive leadership, management consulting and institutional transformation, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s leading corporate law firms.
Her appointment marks a new chapter in a career spanning the private, public and development sectors, bringing extensive experience in organisational growth, strategic planning and operational leadership to an established legal institution.
Before joining Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Adeyemi served for more than a decade as CEO of FATE Foundation, a Nigerian organisation focused on entrepreneurship development and support for small and growing businesses. During her tenure, she led the organisation’s strategic development, expanded its reach beyond Nigeria and advanced its digital transformation, research and policy advocacy work.
Under her leadership, FATE Foundation strengthened its entrepreneurship programmes and expanded its work supporting business owners through education, business development initiatives and improved access to finance. She also supported the development of the FATE Institute, which produces research on Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and contributes to discussions on policies affecting small businesses.
Before joining FATE Foundation, Adeyemi worked at KPMG Advisory Services, where she gained experience in institutional transformation, strategy, operational restructuring and organisational design. Her career has also involved corporate governance and economic policy engagements, including service on the International Finance Corporation’s Nigeria Business Council and chairing the committee for the annual Nigerian Economic Summit.
Adeyemi is a 2021 Eisenhower Fellow and has served as a Senior Fellow and faculty member at Lagos Business School. Her professional recognition includes being named by Google.org in 2023 as one of seven global nonprofit leaders to watch.
Her appointment comes at a significant institution in Nigeria’s legal and commercial landscape. Established in 1962, Olaniwun Ajayi LP advises businesses, investors, financial institutions, governments and multinational corporations on complex legal and commercial matters. Its work spans corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, capital markets, energy, infrastructure, technology, intellectual property and dispute resolution.
The firm plays a role in transactions that influence investment and economic activity in Nigeria. Its work includes advising on major commercial arrangements and infrastructure projects, including the Azura-Edo Independent Power Project. In September 2026, the firm also announced that it had advised the Bank of Industry on a $1 billion multi-currency instrument programme.
With expertise spanning multiple sectors and cross-border commercial matters, Olaniwun Ajayi LP operates at the intersection of law, business and investment. Its work helps clients navigate regulatory requirements, structure transactions, manage disputes and pursue opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
Adeyemi’s appointment introduces a leader whose experience extends beyond legal practice into business strategy, institutional development and organisational transformation. Her previous work involved expanding an organisation’s reach, strengthening its operations and developing initiatives to support entrepreneurship.
As Adeyemi begins her role, her appointment highlights the contribution that experienced business leaders can make to institutions whose influence extends beyond their immediate professional services. It also places her at the centre of the next phase of development for a firm serving businesses and investors across Nigeria and international markets.
