LATEEF O. AKANGBE, SAN

Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, is a highly respected legal practitioner, distinguished for his strategic expertise in dispute resolution, tax litigation, capital markets, public law and corporate law.

As the Managing Partner of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, with a career spanning over two decades, he leads the firm’s Dispute Resolution practice, advising multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government entities on complex and high-stakes legal matters. His exceptional work in tax law earned him a key role as a former Africa Membership Officer of the International Bar Association’s Taxes Committee, where he champions African interests in global tax discussions.

Beyond his dispute resolution and advisory expertise, Mr. Akangbe has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s financial and capital markets, leading legal teams on transactions valued in the billions of Naira. He is an Associate Member of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) and his deep knowledge of insolvency, business recovery, and financial regulation makes him a trusted advisor in restructuring and corporate governance matters.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and an Honourable Member of the Body of Benchers, Mr. Akangbe’s contributions to the legal profession extend to leadership roles within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He served as Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch (2019–2021), was a former Chairman of the NBA Finance Committee and a Member of the NBA National Executive Council (NEC). His involvement in shaping policy and governance within the legal community underscores his influence and commitment to legal excellence.

A dedicated arbitrator, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) (FCIArb), former Vice Chairman of the Training & Development Sub-Committee of CIArb (UK), Nigeria Branch and a former Chairman, Young Members Group, CIArb (UK). He is also an approved tutor for CIArb fellowship training programs, helping to shape the next generation of arbitration professionals.

Mr. Akangbe has been a strong advocate for the entrenchment and preservation of human rights, consistently working towards ensuring the protection of fundamental rights, particularly child and women’s rights through advocacy and numerous pro bono cases.  He is passionate about combating gender-based violence and abuse. He also handles criminal cases for indigent persons, dedicating his time and expertise to securing justice for the oppressed and vulnerable members of society.

Education

• LL.B. (Hons), University of Wolverhampton, UK (1998)
• LL.M., University of Westminster, UK (2000)
• MBA, University of South Wales, UK (2001)