Gbenga succeeds Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra, who has served as ALN Chairman since 2013. During his tenure, Dr Diarra led ALN through significant growth, expanding its presence to all regions, including West and North Africa, and entering key markets such as Nigeria and Morocco. His leadership was key to establishing ALN as an integrated Alliance of leading full-service corporate law firms with a broad reach across the continent and beyond.
As ALN continues to strengthen its position, Gbenga’s appointment represents a significant milestone. Under his leadership, we aim to further integrate our services, embrace innovative solutions, and deliver exceptional value to our clients in a rapidly evolving legal and business landscape.
Karim Anjarwalla, ALN Board Director and ALN Kenya Senior Partner expressed his excitement about Gbenga’s appointment, stating: “Gbenga Oyebode’s appointment as Chairman marks a transformative moment for ALN. His exceptional leadership and deep understanding of Africa’s legal and business landscapes will be instrumental in shaping the Alliance’s future trajectory. Gbenga embodies the vision and values that ALN stands for—collaboration, innovation, and excellence. I am confident that under his stewardship, we will further solidify our position as the leading pan-African legal alliance and continue delivering impactful solutions to our clients across the continent and beyond.”
Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra also commented on the transition, stating: “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of ALN and to work alongside such talented professionals committed to advancing Africa’s legal and business landscape. I am confident that under Gbenga’s leadership, ALN will continue to thrive, driving meaningful impact for our clients and communities across the continent. I look forward to witnessing ALN’s next chapter of success.”
Gbenga is the co-founder of ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. He has spearheaded transformative initiatives and advised on some of the Continent’s most complex transactions. His leadership extends to various corporate and non-profit boards, where he has championed growth, inclusion, and sustainability.
Beyond his legal expertise, Gbenga has demonstrated exemplary business leadership as Chairman of Nestlé Nigeria, PZ Cussons Nigeria, CFAO Nigeria, African Philanthropy Forum, Okomu Oil Palm Company, and Teach for Nigeria, while serving as Vice Chairman of Teach for All, New York. He also sits on the boards of Lafarge Africa, DHL Aviation Nigeria, and Socfinaf S.A., listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. A passionate advocate for the arts and education, Gbenga is a Director of Jazz at the Lincoln Center, New York, and the African Philanthropy Forum, as well as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall, the Ford Foundation, and The African Center, New York.
His previous leadership roles include serving as Chairman of Access Bank (2005–2015), a director at MTN Nigeria (2001–2019), and President of the Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce (2007–2015).
Gbenga Oyebode also commented on his appointment, stating: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chairman at ALN, an Alliance that represents the best of what Africa has to offer in legal expertise. ALN’s commitment to driving excellence, fostering innovation, engendering growth, and creating meaningful impact resonates strongly with me. I look forward to working with our member firms and partners across the Continent and beyond to build on ALN’s remarkable legacy, strengthen our collective capabilities, and deliver exceptional value to our clients in Africa and globally.”
Throughout his career, Gbenga has demonstrated remarkable business acumen and a deep understanding of African and global markets. His expertise in corporate governance, project finance, and corporate and commercial work, combined with his passion for innovation and capacity-building, makes him uniquely suited to lead ALN in its next growth phase. He has been described by Chambers Global as a “consummate deal maker who has received plaudits from clients and peers alike for his corporate expertise.”
Kofo Dosekun, Chairman of ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, added: “Gbenga Oyebode is a true icon in Africa’s legal and business spheres, and his appointment as ALN Chairman could not come at a more pivotal time. His proven ability to inspire collaboration and lead with a strategic vision will undoubtedly strengthen ALN’s efforts to drive meaningful impact across the Continent. As someone who has witnessed his extraordinary contributions firsthand, I am excited about the opportunities his leadership will bring to ALN and our clients navigating Africa’s dynamic landscape.”
As Chairman, Gbenga will guide ALN in advancing its mission to deliver world-class legal services and foster impactful collaboration across Africa and beyond. His role will also be instrumental in connecting strategic opportunities within our Alliance and leveraging our collective strengths to achieve even greater success.
His extensive experience, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our alliance and enhance our ability to deliver exceptional solutions to our clients while contributing to sustainable growth and development across the Continent.
