Olabisi Makanjuola, a partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is the current Chairman of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association. With nearly 20 years of experience, Bisi has successfully handled significant litigation and arbitration matters, solidifying his reputation as a leading legal practitioner.
Bisi has lent his expertise to several committees, leveraging his legal acumen, relationships and strategic thinking to contribute to the growth and development of the legal profession. Most notably, Bisi assumed the role of Chairman of the finance and fundraising subcommittee of the 2022 dinner committee that meticulously planned the branch dinner tagged “Arabian Nights”. His exceptional organisational skills and commitment to excellence ensured the success of the event, which serves as a vital platform for networking, fostering camaraderie, and supporting the branch’s activities.
In addition to his community engagement, Bisi’s global perspective and thirst for knowledge has driven him to seek international experiences. He participated in the International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) work exchange program, where he was seconded to the esteemed London and Paris offices of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in 2011. This invaluable opportunity allowed Bisi to gain insights from leading international law firms and expand his expertise in a global context.
Bisi’s leadership capabilities are well-documented, having served as the Managing Associate of Olaniwun Ajayi and the Team Lead in the Dispute Resolution Practice. His management skills and strategic vision have consistently delivered exceptional results for clients, both locally and internationally. Bisi’s comprehensive understanding of complex disputes, including those related to corporate shareholding, capital market regulations, commercial contracts, fraud, white-collar crimes, and infrastructure projects, has earned him recognition as a “Rising Star” by Legal 500 in April 2022, “Next Generation Partner” and a “Recommended Lawyer” in Nigeria in the 2023 edition of Legal 500 Rankings. Bisi is a member of the Association of Young Arbitrators (AYA) and was in 2020 named by AYA as one of Africa’s 50 young Arbitration Practitioners. Bisi is an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University and the Lagos Business School.
