Ovia is one of four women among 68 legal practitioners conferred with the rank in 2026.
LAGOS, Nigeria, 14 Octobe
r 2026 - Soibi Ovia, FCIArb, a founding partner of Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA) and head of its Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 12 October 2026. The rank is one of the highest distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession. Ovia is one of four women among the 68 legal practitioners conferred with the rank in 2026.
The conferment coincides with DOA’s tenth anniversary, marking a significant year for the firm and one of its founding partners.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007, Ovia has built her practice around commercial and civil litigation, arbitration and mediation, with experience in disputes involving the energy, maritime and intellectual property sectors. At DOA, she leads the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, advising and representing clients in complex commercial and civil disputes before courts across Nigeria and in domestic and international arbitrations.
Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Managing Partner of DOA, said:
“Soibi has been instrumental in building DOA from its founding, and her conferment is a moment of particular significance for the firm. Her commitment to advocacy and the leadership she brings to our dispute resolution practice reflect the professional standards we seek to uphold. We are delighted to see her work recognised through this distinction and look forward to her continued contribution to the profession and the firm.”
The conferment was followed by a reception hosted by DOA in Ovia’s honour. The reception brought together the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, CON, former President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, and other distinguished guests, alongside members of Ovia’s family, colleagues and clients.
The evening featured tributes from guests who spoke warmly of Ovia’s professional accomplishments, character and contribution to the legal profession. Guests celebrated the milestone over dinner and refreshments, with a surprise performance by the Loud Urban Choir adding to the occasion.
Her conferment follows consistent recognition of her work. Soibi Ovia, SAN, FCIArb, is ranked as a Leading Partner by Legal 500, recognised by Chambers Global for her work in Dispute Resolution, and recommended for commercial litigation in the Lexology Index 2026. In 2024, she was recognised as a Global 100 Visionary Legal Trailblazer in Women in Leadership.
About Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe
Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA) is a full-service Nigerian law firm advising local and international clients on corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, capital markets, private equity, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, regulatory matters and dispute resolution. The firm advises on complex transactions and matters requiring Nigerian legal and regulatory expertise.
Website: www.doa-law.com
Media contact
Ameh Ujah
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Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA)
+234 806 382 2578
