managing partner
Tobi Adebowale
Tobi Adebowale is the Managing Partner at VennLaw, where he leads a team of dynamic legal professionals providing strategic counsel across energy, infrastructure, technology, and financial services. With over eight years of experience, Tobi has built a reputation as a trusted advisor on complex transactions, regulatory frameworks, and investment structures.
His career spans both private practice and policy advisory roles. He previously worked as a Policy Adviser to the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, where he helped shape strategies for sustainable and secure energy solutions. Before that, he served as Head of Legal at Depthwize Nigeria Limited, a leading indigenous oil drilling company, and was a key member of the Energy Practice Group at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s top commercial law firms.
Tobi’s expertise cuts across oil & gas, power, infrastructure, and emerging industries. He has advised on the development and financing of multi-million-dollar energy projects, including the construction of a $700 million hydropower plant and the restructuring of petrochemical investments. His work also extends to mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, fintech regulations, and business restructuring.
Beyond legal practice, Tobi is deeply involved in legal policy and professional development. He chaired the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Forum, driving initiatives that impacted over 25,000 lawyers. He has also contributed to key regulatory reforms, including the Business Facilitation (Omnibus) Act, and has published research on renewable energy, aviation, and financial regulation.
At VennLaw, Tobi leverages his cross-sector experience to provide tailored legal solutions that help businesses navigate regulatory landscapes, structure investments, and drive growth. He can be reached via mail at [email protected] and on LinkedIn, too.
partner
Daphne Onoja
Daphne Onoja is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a strong focus on taxation, regulatory compliance, and financial law. She has spent years advising businesses – particularly in the fintech and banking sectors- on navigating complex legal frameworks while aligning with their commercial objectives.
Her tax advisory expertise goes beyond interpretation; she has actively guided businesses in structuring their operations for tax efficiency while ensuring full compliance with evolving regulations. Through her widely recognized #DaphnesTaxThursday series, she simplifies intricate tax laws, making them accessible and actionable for professionals and businesses alike.
Beyond taxation, Daphne plays a pivotal role in corporate governance and regulatory compliance, helping organizations strengthen their legal frameworks and mitigate risk. As an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb UK), she also brings valuable expertise to the VennLaw Advisory team in the Alternative Dispute Resolution area, facilitating efficient and strategic conflict resolution.
With a career marked by precision, insight, and a business-first approach, Daphne continues to bridge the gap between complex regulations and practical solutions. Daphne can be reached via mail at [email protected] and on LinkedIn, too.