Efuntomi Akpeneye, Group Chief Legal Officer of Oando Plc, has advised aspiring lawyers—particularly women eyeing corporate careers, to master business fundamentals alongside legal expertise, arguing that the most effective advisers deliver commercially sound solutions.
Akpeneye spoke as a panellist at the 2026 Law Ladies’ Day organised by the University of Lagos. The session, themed “Mastering the Matrix: Strategies for Women Rising in Corporate Spaces,” brought together senior women from the legal, financial and corporate sectors to share practical advice on career growth, leadership and navigating corporate environments.
She stressed that professional credibility is built long before boardroom appearances or high-stakes negotiations, with thorough preparation forming the foundation of strong leadership and sound decision-making.
Corporate lawyers today must go beyond interpreting statutes, she said, and become trusted partners who align legal advice with business goals. “As a corporate lawyer, you’re not just a legal adviser, you’re a business partner. Businesses exist to achieve their objectives, and our role is to provide practical solutions within the framework of the law,” Akpeneye said.
Drawing on her energy-sector experience, she described visiting offshore production facilities and operational sites to understand the business at first hand. That technical knowledge, she noted, allowed her to give more practical advice and build stronger working relationships with multidisciplinary teams.
Lawyers who grasp the commercial and operational realities of the organisations they support are better placed to anticipate risks, smooth transactions and contribute to strategic decisions, she added.
On negotiations, Akpeneye urged participants to create value for all sides rather than focusing solely on favourable terms for one party. “You can’t win every negotiation. If the other party doesn’t feel they’ve gained something too, you may think you’ve won, but you’ve probably negotiated an agreement that won’t work in the long term,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of integrity, telling young lawyers to prioritise accuracy and careful judgement over speed. “If you don’t know the answer, say so. Take the time to verify the facts and come back with the right advice, because business decisions are made based on the guidance you provide,” she added.
Other panellists reinforced the call for excellence and continuous development. Amina Oyagbola, founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), encouraged students to seize every growth opportunity, saying consistent hard work and dependability set outstanding professionals apart.
“If you are a star, a star cannot be hidden. It will shine through by dint of your hard work, your preparation, your diligence and your dependability,” Oyagbola said.
Alero Ladipo, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Group, advised participants to pursue excellence in every task.
“In whatever you do, do it excellently. People are always watching, and excellence never goes unnoticed,” she said.
Additional speakers included Seyi Bella, Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo; Folashade Oluyadi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP; Adenike Oluwafemi, Principal Partner at Cedrus Chambers; and Ariyike Akinbobola, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at NTEL. The session was moderated by Temitayo Ajisafe of Palmer and Partners.
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