By : Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Savannah Energy Plc, the British independent energy company with a growing footprint across Africa, has appointed renowned Nigerian legal luminary, Mr. Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju, OFR, SAN, as a Non-Executive Director, reinforcing its commitment to strong governance and African leadership at board level.
The appointment takes immediate effect and follows Savannah’s earlier announcement in October 2025 on its plan to deepen Nigerian representation on its board as part of its long-term growth strategy on the continent.
Announcing the development, Joseph Pagop Noupoué, Non-Executive Chairman of Savannah Energy, described Ogunwumiju as a strategic addition to the company’s leadership.
“I am delighted to welcome Kehinde to the Board.
Statement issued by Okwudili Onyia, Communications Manager, Savannah Energy, noted :”
He is an internationally respected legal professional with a proven track record of supporting dynamic, high-growth organisations such as Savannah. His expertise will be instrumental as the Company continues to execute its growth strategy across Africa,” Noupoué said.
In his response, Ogunwumiju expressed enthusiasm about joining the energy company at a pivotal moment in its expansion.
“I am pleased to be joining Savannah at this important stage in its growth. I look forward to applying my experience and working closely with the Board and executive management as the Company pursues its ambitious and wide-ranging objectives,” he said.
A Legal Powerhouse Joins the Board
Mr. Ogunwumiju is the Managing Partner of Afe Babalola & Co, one of Africa’s foremost law firms. Appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2017, he remains one of the youngest lawyers to have attained the prestigious rank, the Nigerian equivalent of King’s Counsel.
His legal career spans high-profile energy, commercial, and international arbitration disputes. Notably, he has represented the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in over 100 disputes and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in several international cases, including defending the country against a nearly US$5 billion claim at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C.
In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and national development, Ogunwumiju was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2023 by the President of Nigeria.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and holds memberships across leading professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. He is also an associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
Academic and Professional Pedigree
Ogunwumiju obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Ibadan, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005, and later earned an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Northumbria, United Kingdom.
Corporate Governance Disclosure
In line with AIM Rules, Savannah Energy disclosed that Ogunwumiju, aged 43, has held various directorships and partnerships in the past five years across sectors including energy, investment, logistics, and professional services. He does not hold any shares in Savannah Energy Plc.
About Savannah Energy
Savannah Energy Plc is a British independent energy company focused on the delivery of “Projects That Matter” across Africa, with operations and investments aimed at driving sustainable growth, energy access, and economic development on the continent.
