Speaker details

Biography

Adeolu Idowu is the Partner, Governance, Risk, and Compliance Practice at Aluko & Oyebode, where she leads a team delivering strategic counsel on corporate governance matters, including anti-money laundering (AML), anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), risk and compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), fraud detection, white-collar investigations, data protection, and cybersecurity. With three decades of experience, Adeolu is a trusted advisor to local and international clients, helping them navigate complex governance challenges, particularly within the Nigerian regulatory landscape. Her expertise spans diverse sectors, including telecommunications, oil and gas, and technology. She specializes in strengthening governance frameworks, mitigating regulatory risks, and aligning organizations with evolving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. Adeolu has been instrumental in integrating data protection and cybersecurity into corporate governance practices, empowering organizations to navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes. She regularly advises on the development of robust governance structures that ensure compliance with both local and international standards. Her career features several notable leadership roles. As the first Company Secretary at MTN Nigeria, she managed corporate governance and statutory compliance,. At Schlumberger, she served as Head of Legal for the Nigeria operations and thereafter as Head of Compliance for Europe, Africa, and the Caspian, overseeing regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions. She went on to become the Director of Legal Services at Etisalat Nigeria, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's legal framework post-start-up. Adeolu started her career as an intern and associate in Aluko & Oyebode and returned there a few years ago. Aluko & Oyebode is ALN Nigeria, a member firm of the Africa Legal Network. Adeolu holds an LL.B from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and an LL.M from the London School of Economics.