Meet Folasade Ibidapo-Obe: Oando’s New Company Secretary

Oando Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading energy companies, has welcomed a new face into its leadership team. In a recent regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the company announced the appointment of Mrs. Folasade Ibidapo-Obe as its new Company Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer.

Her appointment, which took effect immediately on August 8, 2025, marks another chapter in Oando’s ongoing efforts to strengthen corporate governance and uphold transparency in its operations. Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe succeeds Ms. Ayotola Jagun, who served in the role for over a decade before her recent elevation to Executive Director within the company.

Oando’s decision to bring Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe on board is more than just a routine executive change. It is a strategic signal of the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of ethical conduct, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance—areas that have become even more critical in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

In its official statement, Oando said, “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of corporate governance will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our governance framework and uphold our commitment to ethical business practices.”

And indeed, a closer look at Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe’s background shows that she brings with her not only impressive credentials but also a deep well of global experience.

Who Is Folasade Ibidapo-Obe?

Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe is a seasoned legal and governance professional whose career spans nearly two decades across both Nigerian and Canadian markets. Her academic journey began at the University of Lagos, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. She later went on to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation at the prestigious University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, graduating with distinction.

But what truly sets her apart is not just her academic achievements—it’s her continued professional development and her consistent focus on excellence. She holds several internationally recognized certifications, including:

• Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (as a Chartered Secretary and Governance Professional)

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

• Certified Ethics Officer

Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe is licensed to practice law in both Nigeria and Canada, making her one of the rare professionals with dual jurisdictional competence. She is also a member of multiple respected legal associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Law Society of Ontario, the Toronto Lawyers Association, and the Ontario Bar Association.

Folasade began her legal career at Strachan Partners, a well-known law firm in Nigeria. She later moved into the corporate world, holding key governance and legal roles at Ocean and Oil Holdings, the investment arm closely linked to Oando.

Her career then took her across the Atlantic to Canada, where she held governance and legal roles at Oando Energy Resources Inc. in Toronto, then at Enghouse Systems, and most recently, Magna International Inc., a Fortune 500 global automotive supplier. At Magna, she worked as Assistant Corporate Secretary, where she was responsible for supporting board operations, regulatory compliance, and internal governance structures.

Her work has consistently focused on three core areas: corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and company secretarial practice—the exact skill set Oando appears to be prioritizing as it navigates a complex business environment.

The position Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe now holds was previously occupied by Ms. Ayotola Jagun, who served in that capacity for 14 years. Ms. Jagun’s contribution to Oando has been widely recognized, particularly for her role in aligning the company’s governance practices with international best practices.

Earlier this year, on May 20, 2025, Ms. Jagun was appointed as an Executive Director, marking a new phase in her career within the group. Her elevation created a space for a successor who could continue the path of governance integrity and compliance leadership. The company believes Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe is well suited to take on that mantle.

According to Oando, her task is not just to maintain existing systems but to “foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency,” and to “strengthen the company’s alignment with international best practices.”

In recent years, Oando has been vocal about its intention to evolve into a model of transparency and regulatory compliance—not just in Nigeria but across the African continent. This is particularly significant for a company that operates in the energy sector, where regulatory scrutiny is high, and governance missteps can have far-reaching consequences.

By appointing someone with deep international exposure, cross-border legal expertise, and a solid track record in governance, Oando seems to be reaffirming its dedication to long-term sustainability, investor confidence, and ethical operations.

The energy sector in Nigeria and Africa at large is undergoing rapid transformation, with demands for cleaner energy, better regulation, and increased investor oversight. Against this backdrop, Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe’s arrival at Oando comes at a pivotal time.

Her mandate will not be easy. It involves navigating complex legal frameworks, managing board relations, supporting regulatory filings, and continuously improving the company’s compliance landscape. But with her background, qualifications, and global exposure, she appears well-prepared for the challenge.

As Oando turns this new page, stakeholders and observers alike will be watching how Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe helps shape the company’s future, not just through policies and filings, but through the tone she helps set at the top.

In many ways, her appointment reflects a broader message: that Nigerian companies are increasingly tapping into global talent and governance best practices to remain competitive, responsible, and trusted.