Okechukwu “Okey” Ekweanya is a highly respected partner at Kenna Partners, specializing in telecommunications law, private equity, dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, data protection, and AI law. As a leader in the firm’s Commercial Transactions Practice unit, Okey brings a wealth of expertise to a diverse range of specialized transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), restructuring, asset acquisition, financing, compliance, and securitization.
Okey is recognized for his ability to represent both public and private corporations in all aspects of M&A transactions, asset acquisitions, and regulatory compliance advisory. His extensive experience in these areas allows him to skillfully navigate the complexities of each deal, ensuring successful outcomes for his clients.
Beyond his transactional work, Okey advises on a wide array of corporate, partnership, and international matters, including foreign direct investment, transfer pricing, international trade agreements, and joint ventures. His deep understanding of the intricacies involved in both sell-side and buy-side transactions in M&A and asset acquisitions makes him a trusted advisor throughout the entire project lifecycle—from due diligence to the drafting and negotiation of acquisition, development, joint venture, and finance documentation.
Okey’s expertise extends to providing strategic corporate governance advice to boards of directors for both publicly traded and private companies. He is particularly focused on modern governance trends, such as outcomes-based governance and sustainability issues, ensuring that his clients are well-prepared for the evolving corporate landscape.
Throughout his career, Okey has successfully represented a wide range of clients, from multinational corporations to mid-cap and small-cap companies, as well as clients navigating the complexities of initial public offerings (IPOs). His strategic advice is always tailored to the unique needs of each client, reflecting his deep understanding of the business and legal environments in which they operate.
In addition to his corporate and transactional work, Okey collaborates closely with the Firm’s Commercial Litigation practice. He has significant experience representing both claimants and defendants in complex litigation, including professional negligence, torts, shareholder actions, cross-border disputes, and arbitration proceedings. Okey’s approach is to proactively manage potential disputes, leveraging his dispute resolution expertise to minimize litigation risk.
Okey is known for his strategic thinking and relentless pursuit of excellence. He approaches each case with a combination of meticulous preparation and a drive to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. His dedication to his work and commitment to his clients make him a formidable advocate and a trusted partner in navigating complex legal challenges.
Relevant Experience
- Represented one of Africa’s largest telcos in its successful application for and issuance with a Payment Service Bank Licence
- Advised and represented a major financial institution in a multifaceted loan recovery dispute valued at around US$100 Million, before the United States Bankruptcy Court, Texas and the Supreme Court of Nigeria
- Key member of team that successfully contested imposition of the Industrial Training Fund’s Application levies on not-for-profit organisations
- Advised and represented the buy-side in the successful acquisition of a major financial institution in a deal valued in excess of $US 50 Million.
- Successfully advised several foreign companies on the European Union’s Data Protection Guidelines and legal implications in Nigeria.
- Representation of a major international oil company in numerous oil spill litigation matters, regularly securing favourable outcomes in superior courts of record in Nigeria.
- Key team leader in team that acted as Lender’s Counsel in US$100 Million loan transaction involving an indigenous oil company in the acquisition of production assets.
- Advised a National Oil Company on its acquisition of the equity stake of another National Oil Company in an oil marginal field. The 2022 transaction was valued at around NGN 2 Billion
Education
- Executive Education, Lagos Business School
- LL.M, Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom
- B.L, Nigerian Law School
- LL.B, (Hons),University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Bars
- Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Memberships
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association
- Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
- Member, NBA, Section on business Law
