Tolu leads the Firm’s Energy Practice Group, bringing over a decade of extensive experience in the energy sector. He is renowned for his expertise in navigating complex transactions and intricate commercial arbitrations within the energy sector.

Tolu possesses an enviable depth of knowledge in the Nigerian Energy Sector, having been involved in high-profile domestic and international energy transactions, litigation, and energy/construction arbitration references. A well-rounded lawyer with deep insight into the workings of the local and international energy industry, Tolu has garnered substantial experience and expertise in advising clients on power, oil & gas commercial transactions and disputes spanning litigation and arbitration.

In 2006, he joined Perchstone & Graeys as a Pupil Counsel, quickly excelling across various groups within the firm before settling in the Commercial Litigation Group. Working with Mr. Eghobamien, SAN, and other brilliant minds, he handled numerous high-profile arbitration matters. His hard work, diligence, and forthrightness led to his admission to the Board of Partners in 2014 where he became responsible for developing the firm’s Energy Practice Group, it’s London office and its Indian portfolio.

Education

• LL.M (Oil & Gas) University of Aberdeen, Scotland (John Taylor Scholar)
• BL (2006) Nigerian Law School
• LL.B (2005) University of Ibadan

Memberships & Leadership

• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
• Chairman, International Law Association (ILA) Arbitration Committee
• Nigerian Delegate to the ICC Arbitration Commission, Paris
• Member, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee of the ILA, Paris
• Chairman of the SBL Training Committee
• Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Committee of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LASIAC)
• Member, Nigerian Bar Association

Selected Transaction Experience

• Advised on a multi-billion dollar oil acquisition of interests in an Oil Mining Lease between a Nigerian entity and a French investor
• Advised on a US$21 Billion acquisition of interests in an Oil Prospecting License between a Nigerian entity and a South African investor
• Advised on a US$3.5 Million commercial arbitration between a State party and oil contractors
• The construction of a National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) 350KVA combined cycle power plant located in Ogun State.
• Advised on the construction of a 450KVA gas cycle power plant in Calabar, Cross-Rivers State
• Led an investor’s delegation to a West African country to negotiate the acquisition of oil blocs
• Team member with Osaro Eghobamien SAN on handling of all crude disputes in respect to PSCs, Crude Handling Agreements, Carry Agreements etc.

Tolu is the author of International Commercial Arbitration Law and Practice: A Practitioner’s Perspective and has contributed chapters on energy arbitration to The Palgrave Handbook on African Energy among other scholarly texts. A regular speaker at local and international conferences, he has delivered papers at:

• Section on Business Law (SBL) of the Nigerian Bar Association Conference
• International Chambers of Commerce (ICC YAF) Conference, London (2012)
• Global Oil & Gas Professional Forum, Netherlands (2013)

Publications

• The Niger-Delta Crisis: Negotiation Versus Military Force
• The Indian Electricity Supply Industry: A model for Nigeria
• Re-Visiting the Petroleum Industry Bill in Times Of Crude Oil Price Decline: A Catalyst For Increased Foreign Direct Investment
• Oil Blocks: Any Leg for the Chinese to Stand on? (Published on the Investor’s Hub website)
• A review of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (Published on The Nigeria Business.com website)
• Arbitration in Emerging Markets: Current Challenges (Paper delivered at the International Chamber of Commerce Conference London)
• The delayed passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill: Issues, Politics and Commercial Consequence

Tolu has held numerous voluntary posts including Secretary of Council, Student Representative Council, the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, and President, LLM Class, University of Aberdeen, Scotland. More recently, he was appointed a Tony Elumelu Mentor for the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) and the Chairman, 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch Annual Law Conference.