Nigerian energy company Oando PLC has named legal expert Folasade Ibidapo-Obe as its incoming Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, effective August 8, 2025. She takes over from Ayotola Jagun, continuing a leadership transition aimed at reinforcing governance standards at the Lagos-based firm.
With over 20 years of cross-sector experience, Ibidapo-Obe brings a robust portfolio in corporate compliance and regulatory frameworks. Her academic credentials include a law degree from Nigeria’s University of Lagos and a Master of Laws from the University of Warwick, U.K., where she specialized in international corporate governance and financial regulation. She holds multiple certifications, including Chartered Governance Professional status in Canada, and is licensed to practice law in Nigeria and Ontario, Canada.
The appointee’s career spans roles at top-tier organizations, including Nigerian law firm Strachan Partners, Oando’s Toronto-based subsidiary Oando Energy Resources Inc., and Canadian automotive giant Magna International, where she most recently served as Assistant Corporate Secretary. Her global exposure covers energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors, positioning her to navigate Oando’s compliance needs across international markets.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Group, Oando emphasized the strategic significance of the hire, framing it as part of broader efforts to align with global governance benchmarks. “This appointment underscores our commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency,” the company said, noting Ibidapo-Obe’s expertise would strengthen stakeholder trust amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
The move comes as African corporations face heightened scrutiny over governance practices, particularly in extractive industries. Oando, which operates across upstream, midstream, and downstream energy sectors, has prioritized compliance reforms in recent years, settling a 2023 regulatory dispute with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission through governance restructuring.
Ibidapo-Obe’s dual qualifications in Nigerian and Canadian law are expected to bolster cross-border regulatory alignment, a critical factor for Oando’s partnerships in Africa, North America, and Europe. Her background in anti-money laundering, fraud examination, and ethics oversight aligns with increasing global demands for corporate accountability, particularly in environmentally sensitive industries like energy.
The August 2025 start date allows for a structured transition period, ensuring continuity in Oando’s governance protocols. Industry analysts suggest the appointment reflects a growing trend of African firms recruiting diaspora professionals with multinational experience to bridge local operations with international standards.
