Olaniwun Ajayi law firm welcomes Tom Wilson as partner

Olaniwun Ajayi, a legal advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Matthew Thomas Wilson as a partner in its international practice.

Wilson brings over two decades of global experience at the intersection of law, energy, and infrastructure finance.

A UK-qualified lawyer and project economist, Wilson has led major transactions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

His career spans top-tier international firms, including serving as a Partner at Ashurst and holding various roles at Latham & Watkins, White & Case, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

Before joining Olaniwun Ajayi, Wilson served as General Counsel for Low Carbon Solutions and International Gas and LNG Growth at ADNOC, one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies.

In that role, he managed legal strategy for a multibillion-dollar portfolio of energy transition and decarbonisation investments, positioning him at the forefront of the evolving global energy landscape.

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He also previously worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila as Senior Counsel, advising on high-impact sovereign and public-private infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on sustainable finance and institutional reform.

Chuks Ibechukwu, UK managing partner at Olaniwun Ajayi, welcomed Wilson’s arrival, stating:
“Tom’s addition aligns with our international growth strategy at a crucial moment for infrastructure and energy transition. His extensive track record across markets and institutions brings significant depth to our offering”.

Wilson is recognised for his ability to combine legal precision with deep sector-specific expertise, making him a trusted advisor to governments, sponsors, and lenders, particularly in emerging markets, where navigating regulatory frameworks and development finance requires a multidisciplinary approach. His expertise in designing solutions that balance investor confidence with national development priorities has been instrumental in key projects.

He holds a PhD in International Economics and has achieved top distinctions during his legal studies. His arrival marks a significant addition to the firm’s capabilities.

Tominiyi Owolabi, global managing partner, expressed enthusiasm about Wilson’s appointment:

*”We are delighted to welcome Tom to the partnership….his experience enhances our ability to support clients navigating complexities across global markets”.

Wilson’s appointment underscores Olaniwun Ajayi’s commitment to strategic growth and excellence in global legal advisory services.

Ngozi Ekugo

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Correspondent at BusinessDay. She holds a Masters in management from the University of Lagos, an undergraduate from University of Lagos, and is in an alumni of Queen's College. Shes currently an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). She has a brief experience at Goldman sachs, London in its Human Capital Management division. She is interested in human capital development and is leveraging her varied experience across sectors to report labour and global mobility trends for stakeholders to make informed decisions.