Adeoye to Become Centurion Law CEO as NJ Ayuk Steps Down

By Adedapo Adesanya

Mr NJ Ayuk will step down as the chief executive of Centurion Law Group after more than 10 years at the oil and gas-oriented law firm.

His exit was confirmed in a statement seen by Business Post on Thursday.

Another seasoned expert in energy law, Mr Zion Adeoye, will be appointed as CEO of Centurion Law Group, after serving as Managing Director under Mr Ayuk for many years.

Speaking on this, Mr Ayuk said, “I am proud of my work as Centurion’s CEO – we have been able to build a historic relationship with African governments, oil and gas entrepreneurs and international energy companies working in Africa.

“We have hired, trained and developed more African lawyers than any other law firm in Africa. We became the first African law firm to be listed on the German Stock Exchange and have spearheaded an audacious, on-demand legal service business model in Africa,” stated Mr Ayuk.

“I have fought the good fight, I have run the race and I have kept the faith. I believe it is time to pass the torch to the next generation that can take the firm to the next level, and I have full confidence that Zion Adeoye and his team will be able to achieve this. It also grants me much-needed time to focus on my family, the work of the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and other entrepreneurial ventures and causes in which I believe,” he concluded.

Adding his input, the incoming CEO, Mr Adeoye said, “Mr Ayuk’s work in building one of the finest law firms in Africa, as well as his ability to serve clients, solve disputes and close complex transactions, cannot go unnoticed. All of the employees and clients of this firm cannot thank Mr. Ayuk enough for his leadership and dedication.”

“Working with Mr Ayuk, our team has accomplished what few gave us the chance – important legal and public policy victories across Africa, deal after deal for entrepreneurs, winning tough legal cases in complex jurisdictions while enforcing the rule of law, opening new markets and instilling in Africans the belief that African lawyers can do great things,” he said.