Savannah Energy PLC, the British independent energy company with operations across Africa, has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju as a Non-Executive Director, with immediate effect.
The appointment follows the company’s earlier announcement on October 9, 2025, on its plan to appoint two Nigerians to its board, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and local representation as it pursues its growth strategy on the continent.
Commenting on the development, the Non-Executive Chairman of Savannah Energy, Mr. Joseph Pagop Noupoué, said the company was pleased to welcome Ogunwumiju to the board, describing him as an internationally respected legal professional.
“He has a proven track record of supporting dynamic, high-growth organisations such as Savannah. I believe his expertise will be instrumental as the Company continues to execute its growth strategy across Africa,” Noupoué said.
Ogunwumiju, in his response, expressed delight at joining the company at what he described as a critical phase of its expansion.
“I am pleased to be joining Savannah at this important stage in its growth and look forward to applying my experience in this role. I am excited to work with the Board and executive management team as the Company pursues its ambitious and wide-ranging objectives,” he said.
Ogunwumiju is the Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co, one of Africa’s leading law firms. Appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2017, he remains one of the youngest lawyers to attain the rank, the Nigerian equivalent of a King’s Counsel.
His legal career spans extensive work in the energy sector, including representing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in over 100 disputes and acting for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in several international cases. Notably, he was part of the legal team that defended Nigeria against a nearly $5 billion claim at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, DC.
In recognition of his professional contributions, Ogunwumiju was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the President of Nigeria in 2023. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and holds memberships in several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
Savannah Energy said the appointment underscores its commitment to strong corporate governance and leveraging African expertise as it delivers energy projects across its core markets.
