Background and Professional Journey
Asue Ighodalo, born on July 19, 1959, in Annua Uyo, Nigeria, is a prominent figure in Nigerian law and business. He is a Partner in Banwo & Ighodalo, a renowned corporate and commercial law practice he co-founded on February 1, 1991. Growing up in Ibadan, his parents were notable civil servants, and his mother made history as the first woman appointed as a Permanent Secretary in Nigeria in 1968.
Core Practice Areas
Asue specializes in corporate finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, banking and securities, foreign investments and divestments, energy and natural resources, privatization, and project finance. Banwo & Ighodalo, under his leadership, is recognized as a leading Corporate and Commercial Law firm in Nigeria, particularly excelling in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.
Educational Qualifications
– Kings College, Lagos (O’ Levels) – January 1971 to June 1975
– International School Ibadan (A’ Levels) – September 1975 to June 1977
– University of Ibadan (BSc, Economics) – October 1977 to May 1981
– London School of Economics & Political Science (LL.B) – October 1981 to May 1984
– Nigerian Law School (BL) – October 1984 to June 1985
– Edo State University, Uzairue (Doctor of Science – D.Litt., Economics Honoris Causa) – November 2021
Job Experience
– Chris Ogunbanjo & Co. (Associate) – September 1985 to January 1991
– Banwo & Ighodalo (Founded in partnership) – February 1, 1991
Membership of Professional Bodies
– Nigerian Bar Association (Section on Business Law)
– International Bar Association
– Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
– Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria
– Institute of Directors, Nigeria
Board Memberships
Asue serves as the Chairman on several Boards, including Sterling Bank Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group, GlobalMix Limited, and Edo State Investment Summit. He has held key positions in various organizations and NGOs, contributing significantly to their strategic development.
Trainings and Certifications
– International Institute for Management Development (IMD) – 2023
– Stanford Directors College – 2019
– INSEAD International Directors Programme – 2016
– Harvard Business School – Making Corporate Boards More Effective – 2015
– Aspen Institute – Nigeria Leadership Seminar – 2006
Professional Citations
Recognized in respected professional publications, Asue has been cited in editions such as “Expert Guides to the World’s Leading Lawyers,” “IFLR1000 Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms,” and “Chambers Guides to the World’s Leading Lawyers.”
Notable Papers and Presentations
As a thought leader, Asue has presented papers on various topics, including Nigerian equity and debt capital markets, oil and gas legal frameworks, the Petroleum Industry Bill, and corporate governance.
Hobbies
Beyond his professional life, Asue enjoys golf, soccer, reading, traveling, and participating in political discourse.
Family
Asue is happily married to Ifeyinwa, an entrepreneur, interior designer, and furniture manufacturer. They are blessed with a daughter, Omoehi, who is a serial entrepreneur. Asue continues to contribute significantly to various sectors through his expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence.