Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

Zion Adeoye

Zion is the Chief Executive Officer at Centurion Law Group and is responsible for Legal Affairs in Project Finance, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Taxation and Energy law. He continues to advise a cross-section of clients across Africa on big ticket energy deals, especially in South Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Ghana, Gabon and Senegal.

Before joining Centurion, Zion was Lead Transaction Counsel/Group Legal Counsel to the Transnational Energy Group, presiding over critical Oil & Gas and Power projects in Nigeria. He also had pivotal spells at the Tax Division of KPMG Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Lagos based premium legal firms of Olaniwun Ajayi LP and Templars where he advised several multi-nationals on a host of Energy and Infrastructure projects. Also, at the Abuja based firm of Terra Cotta Legal, he advised key institutions of government and a host of multinationals on Energy and Taxation matters.

He was a strategic adviser during the various efforts at amending the Nigerian Petroleum Act and related legislations, including acting at one time as secretary to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Fiscal and Financial Management Syndicate Session commissioned by the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives and advised the Board of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on the fiscal aspects of the PIB.

Zion continues to advise on some of the most strategic deals across Africa, especially in the frontier Energy markets, and was recently awarded an ‘40 under 40 Rising Stars’ award at the Nigerian ESQ Legal Awards, for shaping the future of the legal profession in Nigeria and on the continent. He is currently completing his MBA in International Oil and Gas Management at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Qualifications:

• LL.B. – University of Ibadan
• B.L – Nigerian Law School, Lagos
• LL.M. — Columbia Law School

Bar Admission:

• Nigeria

Memberships:

• Nigerian Bar Association 
• Association of Independent Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN)

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Finance Officer

Strayson Vermeulen

Strayson Vermeulen is an experienced corporate leader with 18 years of experience and a specialization in International Business. As the Group’s Chief Operating Officer and CFO at Centurion, she plays a pivotal role in steering the firm’s operations and financial performance on a global scale. With a profound understanding of international markets, she adeptly crafts business strategies that facilitate the firm’s global expansion. She has the dual responsibility of overseeing the daily operations and financial performance of the first African law firm to be listed on the German Stock Exchange.

This capability not only supports the firm’s lawyers and clients but also ensures compliance and mitigates legal risks. Strayson’s educational background underscores her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development. This includes Financial Analysts, Finance and Accounting, Business Management, and Master’s in Business Administration with qualifications from institutions such as Edinburgh Business School in the UK, Witwatersrand University, University of Pretoria, and the Corporate Finance Institute.

Prior to her tenure at Centurion, Strayson held diverse roles in companies such as Vodacom Business, LifeCo UnLtd SA Group, Advanced Telecoms International, Mobax South Africa and Group. Her multifaceted experience spans business strategy, finance, accounting, audits, compliance, investment, negotiations, business cases, property management, and operations management, and establishing policies, positioning her as an invaluable asset to Centurion’s leadership team.

Strayson’s ability to navigate complex operations within and beyond Africa, coupled with her proficiency in various domains including law, non-profit organizations, conferencing, and telecommunications, solidifies her stature as an indispensable corporate leader in the firm.

Deputy Managing Partner

Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo

Oneyka is a Deputy Managing Partner at Centurion with significant finance and projects experience in Africa, Europe
and North America. She leads the Group’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Practice and routinely advises
governments, sponsors, lenders, multinational and local companies on a wide range of transactions, including cross-
border projects that cover infrastructure, energy, investments, aviation, sports and entertainment.
She has gained significant experience working with and leading multicultural and multilingual teams in structuring and
executing epoch-making deals across the African continent. Over the course of her career, Oneyka has worked
extensively in research, negotiation, advisory and document preparation and review capacities on projects, corporate,
finance and investment transactions of varying complexities and across multiple sectors of the economy. She has also
gained experience coordinating regulatory compliance in over 30 African countries and involving local legal systems
including OHADA, CEMAC, and WAEMU.

Prior to joining Centurion, she worked as an Associate in Olaniwun Ajayi, a leading Nigerian firm and played a pivotal
role in advising investors and sponsors on landmark power and infrastructure transactions. She also worked with the
Columbia Centre for Sustainable Investment based in New York where she advised on the peculiar provisions/terms in
exploration and production contracts relating to the extractive industries in different countries around the world with
the aim of helping governments, international investors and other stakeholders better understand the prevalent
extractive industry investment framework.
Oneyka is passionate about the right to education, gender equality, equal representation and economic empowerment
through sports and energy.

Qualifications:
-LL.B. (first class honours) – University of Ibadan, Nigeria
-BL (first class honours) – Nigerian Law School
-LL.M. – Columbia University, New York
Bar Admission:
-New York State
-Nigeria

Director, South Africa

Leon Van Der Merwe

Leon is a distinguished Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, boasting over 12 years of extensive legal expertise. With more than a decade’s post-admission experience, Leon holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, affirming his dedication to the legal profession. Throughout his illustrious career, Leon has cultivated a broad spectrum of legal skills and knowledge, specializing in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Law of Contract, General, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Insolvency, Compliance, Property Law, Regulatory Law, Competition Law, Company Law, Compliance, and Risk. His proficiency extends to drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting risk analyses, and providing intricate corporate advice to a diverse clientele, including public, private, and JSE listed and global enterprises. He has successfully navigated complex legal matters and provided strategic guidance to clients across various industries. Notably, Leon has served as legal counsel to major national and international corporations, as well as numerous African Governments, advising on complex cross-border projects. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including forestry, mining, construction, engineering, and retail. Leon’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his track record of delivering exceptional legal services have earned him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Additionally, Leon is a Director at Centurion Law Group, where he brings a wealth of knowledge in national and international corporate laws and boasts significant regulatory interface experience, providing invaluable insights into regulator practice. His expertise includes significant engagement with oil and gas entities, particularly in the downstream sector, where he has demonstrated his adeptness in navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Leon’s multifaceted skill set and deep understanding of corporate governance principles make him an indispensable asset to the firm and its client

Director, Mauritius

Keseena Chengadu

Keseena is the Head of Investment at Centurion and serves as Executive Director of Centurion Mauritius.
With over a decade of hands-on international investments experience, Keseena is a powerhouse for Africa-
bound investment structuring. She has advised a cross-section of institutional, government entities and private
investors on business structuring within Africa and is a household name in energy sector investment.
Her deep understanding of the whole gamut of African financial markets, her familiarity with the overall
corporate needs of an organizations investing in Africa with respect to corporate and tax structuring places her
at the pinnacle of investment relevance.
An “out-of-the box” legal thinker with ability to devise legal and financial solutions to unique fact situations,
Keseena has a proven track record of providing accurate and effective legal and general investment advice; and

of adding value to organisations through the development of comprehensive attention to help mitigate risk and
enhance the businesses of our clients.
She is also an asset in the corporate/investment industry with the legal and commercial aspects of international
contracts, international corporate framework, fiscal management, contract management and investment risk
assessment. Keseena is well versed in the OHADA, CEMAC laws and regulations and continues to advice on key
sector investments in all African regions.
Qualifications:

B.A. Law and Management- University of MauritiusLL.M. (International Business Law) – The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Partner, Equatorial Guinea

Manuel Oliviera

Manuel Oliveira Toichoa is a Managing Partner at Centurion Equatorial Guinea.

He specializes in integral consultancy to companies. Manuel focuses on Commercial Law (OHADA Business Law among others), particularly the creation and liquidation of companies, registration and licenses, and contracts.

Additionally, Manuel provides legal advice to clients in other matters related to labour and social security law, Administrative law and Tax law. Manuel has advised a wide range of local clients and international businesses entering Equatorial Guinea.

Qualifications:

• Law Degree – University of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
• LL.M. (Master of Laws) Corporate and Finance Law – Widener University, DE, USA (Delaware Law School)

Bar Admission:

• Equatorial Guinea

Partner, Equatorial Guinea

Anselmo Eworo

Anselmo is a Partner in our Malabo’ office and Head of Immigration and Governance Relations. He leads the firms’ African-wide immigration practice and is evolving of the assessment to companies in labor, commercial, business and migration law and its establishment and registration in compliance with the local laws in Equatorial Guinea

Besides immigration and governance relations, Anselmo focuses on dispute resolution strategies, including assessment of claims and potential litigation risks, administrative law, criminal procedure and oil and gas. Anselmo supports international clients from the energy sector in contract negotiations and advises on public tender processes with the government of Equatorial Guinea

Qualifications:

• LL.B. – Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Buenos Aires, Argentina 
• LL.M. – School of Law of California Western University San Diego, California, United States
• Law Certificate, General Practice, Legal Assistant/ Paralegal – Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Managing Director, Equatorial Guinea

Santiago Olo Lima

With a specialization in international business, Santiago Olo Lima is the Managing Director of the firms’ Malabo office. He focuses on Government Relations and Special Projects at Centurion Law Group.

His responsibilities include working closely with the firm’s management to develop, refine and execute Centurion’s vision and development strategies. His knowledge of Equatorial Guinea’s business environment has earned him the reputation of being one of the best advisors and consultants for foreign investors entering the country.

His duties also include the implementation and maintenance of programs aimed at developing new streams of revenue growth at the firm.

Qualifications:

• American Intercontinental University in London, UK – Bachelor in International Business
• University of California, Berkeley – International Diploma in Project Management and Entrepreneurship

Director — Tax & Legal, Central Africa

Grace Yella

Grace is Tax Director at Centurion Law Group and is responsible to design the CEMAC region tax strategy and to lead its implementation.

Prior to joining Centurion, Grace worked with KPMG Tax and Legal Cameroun where she provided advice to both local and multinational companies on various tax, legal and regulatory matters. She acquired wide-ranging experience in providing tax and regulatory compliance services, corporate tax planning, tax structuring & optimization; mergers and acquisitions; due diligence; and global mobility services for expatriates. 

She has extensive experience in advising foreign clients in their activities in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and Central African Republic.

She also obtained relevant experience during a secondment to the KPMG Nigeria practice where she worked on engagements involving clients in ENR sector and consumer markets.

Qualifications:

• BSc. Law – University of Douala (Cameroon)
• LL.M. (Business Law) – University of Douala
• Masters in Applied Taxation – University of Douala

Managing Associate, Nigeria

Simisola Oso

Simisola Oso is Managing Associate at Centurion’s Nigeria office. She is a seasoned corporate lawyer with over 15 years’ experience in the legal industry covering company law, banking and finance, capital markets, company secretarial & corporate governance, management and international business.

Simisola started her career at international investment bank JPMorgan and has since worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC Legal) in the UK and as well as tier one law firms in Nigeria.

She has worked on some of the largest transactions out of Africa, several international corporate transactions involving cross border financings advising borrowers, lenders and investors, in capital market transactions, project finance, private equity and general corporate matters. 

Simisola regularly assists investors and clients in setting up and makes introductions to potential stakeholders. Her clients have ranged from financial institutions to government authorities, sovereign wealth funds, listed companies, SMEs and HNIs.

Additionally, she has in depth fintech knowledge and has advised world-renowned companies on their fintech ventures in Nigeria and written on the subject.

An alumna of the University of Nottingham, Simisola is a member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments and the Nigerian Bar Association amongst other professional bodies.

Senior Counsel

Gari Matarirano

Gari is a qualified lawyer and business adviser with over 16 years’ experience of advising on groundbreaking energy and infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, he has substantial expertise in general corporate and commercial transactions across various sectors and markets Africa. He has international legal practice experience gained at Baker McKenzie LLP, Macfarlanes LLP and Pinsent Masons Africa LLP. In addition, he spent a few years in the business and investment sphere as an Investment Professional & In-house Legal Counsel at Oppenheimer Partners, a permanent capital investment holding vehicle.

Senior Attorney

Ezekiel Eresto

Ezekiel is a Senior attorney at Centurion Law Group’s South Sudan Office. He joined Centurion Law Group in 2022.

Prior to Joining Centurion Law Group, he worked with Turyakira & Co. Advocates Kampala Uganda, Mulla & Co. Advocate and Lex South Sudan Advocates.

He is a versatile defense litigator with over ten years of Legal practice. He was enrolled was an Advocate of the High Court of South Sudan in 2013

and is a member of South Sudan Bar Association and East Africa Law Society.

In addition, Ezekiel has extensive experience practicing law as a Barrister and solicitor. He practices primarily in the areas complex civil, commercial and criminal litigations.

His major areas of practice are in the commercial litigations, employment consulting, Employment litigation, Tax Consulting and handling multitude of issues including land transactions.

He represents several clients including Non-Governmental Organizations, Commercial Banks, Insurance Companies, Logistics co and Telecommunication companies.

Senior Associate

Yves Ollivier

Holding an LLM in business law and the CAPA from the Paris Bar School, Yves possesses extensive professional work experience
with French law firms, TOTAL E&P and MEDEF.

Yves has worked with one of the most highly recognised Congolese law firm and a Congolese legal and tax advisory firm, before
going to Cameroon in 2020. In Yaoundé, he was involved in the activities of a business law firm with a focus in energy law and
financing operations.

Senior Associate

Yorm Abledu

Yorm Ama Abledu is an experienced International Senior Attorney and legal academic based in Accra, Ghana, who is committed to deploying her skill set in the development of the African continent. 

She has experience in advising on groundbreaking corporate and commercial transactions of a varied nature as well as working on several finance, energy, and infrastructure projects across the African continent. Yorm is highly respected for her remarkable achievements and contributions to the legal profession generally and energy sector in Ghana, and is a Senior International Attorney at Centurion Law Group, specializing in energy and tax law practice. She advises national and international oil companies, project developers, and financiers in the oil and gas sector in Ghana and internationally. 

To this end, her practice involves advising on various categories of project contracts negotiated between international energy companies, governments, and local entities and has expertise in project management and legal entity management within the oil, gas, and power sectors in Africa. She also has extensive experience in advising energy companies on regulatory and compliance matters and engages with regulatory authorities and government agencies regarding specific energy projects on a regular basis. Yorm also serves as an arbitrator, helping resolve disputes in the energy sector. Her advisory services encompass a wide range of areas, including tax policies, legislations, international tax matters, and transfer pricing considerations, particularly within the upstream, downstream, and mid-stream.

She is an award-winning lawyer who has advised on various high-profile transactions including advice to the Government of Ghana on its energy sector recovery program, including engaging with numerous Independent Power Producers and Gas Suppliers in Ghana. This has involved the review of over 35 Power Purchase Agreements in Ghana made up of renewable energy plants and thermal energy plants and has also acted as joint counsel on transactions such as the 2021 landmark $3 billion Eurobond issuance by the government of Ghana. She has over the years’ achieved enormous success in Oil and Gas cases in Ghana. She has a demonstrated history of championing compliance in Oil and Gas companies

Senior Associate

Achare Takor

Achare Takor is a Senior Associate at Centurion Law Group. Mrs. Takor also heads the Intellectual Property department of the firm. Over the last decade she has practiced International and cross border corporate/ commercial law, providing specialist, business focused counsel essential for clients to achieve their business goals through her expert advice in challenging business environments across the CEMAC Region and over 20 Countries in Africa as a whole.
She is a highly proficient and experienced international lawyer and business consultant who provides advice across the landscape of commercial law, particularly with an in-depth knowledge in contract drafting and negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance, perfecting securities, across the sectors of corporate finance, energy, telecommunications, intellectual property. Her practice and expertise allow her to swiftly grasp a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ businesses and enables her to deliver sound and commercially relevant advice in a timely manner.
In addition to her commercial duties, Achare does her part to give back to those making their way in the sector, by mentoring and fostering team spirit in students, new graduates, and persons interested in the legal field. Her passion lies in demonstrating the necessity of teamwork, and also demonstrating the importance of building expertise to carve out a niche for oneself in a specific field.
Qualifications:
· LL.M. (International Business Law) – BPP University Law School in London, United Kingdom
· LL.B. – University of Buea, Cameroon

Senior Tax Consultant

Njikam Pekassa Oudou

Njikam Pekassa Oudou is a Senior Tax Consultant in Centurion’s Congo Brazzaville office. He specializes in corporate tax advice. His main areas of practice include tax law, providing tax advice, tax planning, tax research, tax compliance, assessment of task risks and representation in the resolution of tax disputes for clients.

Oudou has deep and significant experience in tax matters and procedures in Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. He has successfully represented companies and foreign individuals before the tax administration.

Before joining Centurion, he worked as a tax auditor in accounting firms in Cameroon and then as tax and accounting manager of a multinational company in Congo and played a major role in tax strategy, tax optimization, and tax defense. Oudou’s invaluable contributions allowed the company to improve its financial performance.

Qualifications:

LLM in Tax Law – University of Dschang Cameroon
Masters in Financial Accounting – University of Dschang Cameroon
Member N° 339741, Institute of Public Accountants (Australia)
Member N° IPA 339741, Institute of Financial Accountants (UK)

Senior Associate

Ashiv Parianen

Ashiv is senior legal advisor and project coordinator at Centurion Law Group, Mauritius. He has over a decade of  diverse experience in providing legal assistance to various sectors of the corporate field in Mauritius and Africa, with specialization in contract drafting and review, real estate legal services, arbitration, and fintech law.

An accomplished analytical thinker and passionate problem solver with the ability to read and interpret complex regulations and derive appropriate decisions and policies as a self-directed and driven advisor with a comprehensive background leading commercial lease negotiations, litigation, compliance, M&A closing, and cross-functional teams to achieve goals and ensure success. Ashiv is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

Senior Associate

Isabel Mangue

Isabel Manguel Asangono is a senior associate in Centurion Law Group in our Malabo office. Isabel advises clients in
understanding the complex legal regime governing the oil and gas sector. Her expertise mainly covers corporate law, including
joint ventures and M&A, and she has worked with clients in a wide range of industries including infrastructure, construction,
aviation telecommunications, and insurance. She also advises companies in connection with contractual matters within
business law, labour issues and litigation.

Prior to joining Centurion Law Group in 2015, Isabel practised as a lawyer in Madrid in another leading international law firm
for more than five years, advising lenders (including commercial banks, development banks and export credit agencies),
sponsors and the public sector in domestic and international projects, focusing on reserves-based lending, project finance,
export finance and other structured finance transactions.

Senior Associate Attorney Country Head: Namibia

Rachel Mushabati

Rachel Mushabati is a distinguished legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Namibia, bringing a wealth of experience in corporate law and the energy sector. Her journey has been marked by her impactful tenure at Namibia’s national petroleum company, where she served as the Legal Advisor for Downstream operations. During this time, she honed her skills in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and strategic legal advisory, making her a formidable presence in the field.

As a Senior Associate Attorney at CLG, Rachel makes significant contributions by offering specialised legal services tailored to the energy sector. Her expertise spans advising clients on complex energy-related matters, including regulatory compliance, project development, and high-stakes transactions. Rachel’s role is pivotal in negotiating and drafting intricate contracts that not only safeguard her clients’ interests but also pave the way for successful business outcomes.

Her commitment to staying abreast of the ever-changing energy laws and regulations enables her to provide clients with forward-thinking, strategic guidance. Rachel’s dedication and expertise have solidified her position as a trusted advisor, enhancing CLG’s reputation in the industry and building enduring relationships with clients and stakeholders alike.

Counsel

Mandlenkosi Gubuza

Mandla is a qualified lawyer with comprehensive expertise in regulatory and legal advisory across diverse fields of financing, including general banking and finance, corporate finance (acting for both borrowers and lenders), project development and oil and gas transactions.

Alongside his substantial expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes, Mandla’s proficiency extends to asset finance, public sector procurement, municipal law, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with a keen understanding of OHADA and CEMAC regulations.

At Centurion, Mandla spearheads client consultations, adeptly gathering client instructions and drafting commercial agreements and legal opinions. He plays a pivotal role in reviewing and drafting regulatory memoranda, offering legal advisory into public sector and municipal law matters. Mandla’s commitment to delivering strategic legal counsel ensures clients receive tailored solutions that meet their diverse needs.

Associate Attorney

Pablo Obama Mitogo

For the past 9 years, Pablo has worked as a legal advisor or external lawyer at Centurion Law Group, Malabo, providing
services for Oil & Gas companies, service companies, construction companies, and government agencies. His work includes
litigation in Civil, Commercial, and Labour cases, negotiation of labour and employment disputes, contract negotiation, and
mergers and acquisitions. Pablo, is focusing on finding legal risk and providing solutions to avoid, manage or mitigate them.
Pablo professional experiences extends to the community through his publications.

Qualifications:

• Law Degree – Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
• LL.M. (Alternative Dispute Resolution) – European Institute of Tax Advice 
• General Practice Certificate – Duquesne University, School of Law
• International Petroleum Management Program – Institute for Petroleum Development

Admission:

• Equatorial Guinea

Junior Counsel

Ariteshoma Etete

Ariteshoma Etete is a Legal Practitioner with a degree in Human Resource Management. Her expertise lies in corporate and commercial law practice where she has represented clients in various teams handling different corporate matters across Africa.

She has developed a reputation for strong legal research, analytical capabilities, as well as ensuring the competence of legal drafting. She is committed to identifying and mitigating legal risks while developing effective legal strategies to support the business goals of clients.

Overall, she is a dedicated and results-driven corporate legal practitioner who is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal issues and achieve their business goals.

Qualifications:

LLB – University of Abuja, Nigeria BL

Nigerian Law School, Nigeria PGD Human Resource Management

International College of Safety and Management Professionals Member, Nigerian Bar Association

Associate

Miracle Okoro

Miracle Okoro is a Nigerian qualified lawyer and an international development professional with growing expertise in trade law/policy, investment, regional integration, energy projects, ESG, impact investing, sustainable finance, and sustainable development in Africa. 

Miracle holds a second-class upper degree from the University of Nigeria and has obtained her LLM in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa at the renowned Centre for Human Rights in Africa’s number one law faculty, University of Pretoria, (South Africa).

Before her LLM pursuit, she worked as a Program Officer at the Centre for Trade and Business Environment Advocacy (CTBA), a tier-one think tank promoting regulatory reforms in trade, investment climate and other business environment related issues in Nigeria and Africa. She is a proficient writer and rapporteur and has consulted for international development organisations like the German Development Agency (GIZ). She was recognized as an Emerging Young Leader to represent Nigeria in 2019 at the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC), fellowship, West Africa.

Junior Counsel

Brenda Njeri Wagura

Brenda Wagura is a proficient legal advisor at Centurion Law Group, with 3 years working experience in providing corporate commercial advise, international trade & investment advisory and conducting extensive legal research, reviewing of legal contracts, and trade negotiations.

Prior to joining Centurion, Brenda worked at the Baker Mckenzie LLC, Corporate, Merger & Acquisitions Department where she gained tremendous experience in drafting and reviewing merger agreements and acquisition proposals; and conducting high level due diligence activities.

Qualifications:

LL.M (International Trade and Investment Law) University of Pretoria, South Africa.

LL.B Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya.

International Commercial Arbitration, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Brenda has a wealth of knowledge in investor-state dispute resolution (ICSID) as well as international commercial transactions dispute settlement (UNCITRAL & New York Convention on Recognition & Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards).