OUR PEOPLE

EXPERIENCE · EXPERTISE · VERSATILITY

Okhai Akhigbe & Co. is composed of a versatile and experienced team of legal practitioners from multidisciplinary backgrounds and possessing a clear understanding of the interconnected socioeconomic, political, legal and cultural issues that pertain to the Nigerian landscape—and of their impact on commercial and personal interactions.

THE TEAM

ikhane akhigbe
principal

OLASENI WILLIAMS
PARTNER

vice admiral okhai akhigbe (rtd.) gcon
founder

Okhai Akhigbe & Co. was founded by the late Vice Admiral Okhai Michael Akhigbe, an astute maritime expert both in practice and in concept, not only as a lawyer, but also as a naval officer (and eventual Chief of the Naval Staff between 1994 and 1998), and a public administrator, serving as Nigeria's Chief of General Staff (1998-9).

Admiral Akhigbe contributed actively to the growth of the Nigerian maritime industry and the structural development of its agencies, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Agency, and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, the latter of which he served as President and member of its Governing Council. He also served to develop and expand the field of maritime law as a Member of the Nigerian National Institute; Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK); and Board of Trustees, Naval Institute of Nigeria (NION); and as Chairman of the Board of Governors/Advisory Board to the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN); Nautical Institute (Nigeria branch); and Editorial Board, Naval Institute of Nigeria (NION).

A Member of the International Maritime Organisation's Institute of International Maritime Law (IMLI), in Malta—where he obtained a Master's degree in Maritime Law—Admiral Akhigbe was also a Member of the Royal Institute of Navigation, London (MRIN); The Nautical Institute, London (MNI); Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA); Nigerian Society of International Law; Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA).

As Principal, Ikhane Akhigbe is responsible for the development and communication of the Firm’s corporate vision, strategy, and planning objectives, while also managing its strategic direction and the achievement of long- and short-term objectives. In developing and overseeing the implementation of corporate policies, systems, and procedures, he ensures that short-term goals, objectives, and tasks are aligned and adjusted in anticipation of, and in response to, external forces and internal dynamics.

Ikhane supports the efforts of Okhai Akhigbe & Co. Management in development initiatives, staff recruitment, and the resolution of any conflicts of interest. Ikhane also represents the Firm at professional regulatory bodies and within the media.

Ikhane has also been actively involved, over the last decade, in the fast-paced Nigerian entertainment industry as a legal consultant, counsel to creative artistes, and a negotiator of project financing. The founder and CEO of the entertainment production house AbOriginal Productions, and co-founder and former CEO of one of Nigeria’s leading talent management and representation companies, O.N.E Integrated Management Services, Ikhane has garnered a reputation for being a leading figure in developing and showcasing Nigerian culture and diversity through music, theatre, television, and film—while developing, enhancing, and protecting creative artistes’ brands as well as their intellectual property and commercial rights.

Ikhane possesses a master’s degree in International Maritime Law from the University of Southampton, UK, and bachelor’s degrees in Law and in Special Politics & International Relations, both from the University of Hull, UK.

IKHANE akhigbe

PRINCIPAL

Olaseni Williams is a Consultant Partner with Okhai Akhigbe & Co. and qualified to practice law in England & Wales, the State of New York, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A corporate and commercial lawyer with over 15 years experience, he has worked on a wide variety of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, corporate finance, and IPOs. His experience also spans a wide variety of sectors including oil and gas, education, aviation, hospitality, real estate, and banking.