- kemi@oal.law
- +234 912 139 7097
- Lagos, Nigeria
Dr. Kemi was recognised by the United Nations as a life-time goodwill ambassador for her work with the US Senate and government especially with the reform of the US - Africa Trade Law - African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Dr. Kemi Onanuga serves as a Synergy Partner at OAL (Olisa Agbakoba Legal), where she is head of the Real Estate Practice group, bringing a robust blend of legal, administrative, project funding, and governmental relations expertise. She holds an LL.B. from the Coventry University London, and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Plymouth, further enhancing her leadership and strategic management capabilities.
With over 20 years of experience in Information Systems and Information Technology, Dr. Onanuga has earned a Master Certificate in IS/IT from Villanova University (USA). Her diverse background integrates technology, governance, and policy, allowing her to navigate complex intergovernmental landscapes with ease. She is also recognised for her exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, which have been pivotal in her various leadership roles.
Throughout her career, Dr. Onanuga has held significant positions, including at Deloitte Haskins & Sells (now Adetona Isichei & Co.), where she contributed to key projects in insolvency, financial and governmental sectors. She has served as an intergovernmental liaison for faith-based communities across the United Kingdom and the United States, fostering collaboration between government bodies and civil society organizations.
Her notable contributions include active participation in the UK Government’s New Deal Project, spearheaded by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, focusing on community development and employment initiatives. In the United States, during the Barack Obama administration, she played a role in supporting the “Mortgage Late? Don’t wait!” campaign, a federal initiative aimed at addressing the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis.
For her impactful work in advancing trade relations and governance reform, Dr. Onanuga was honored by the United Nations as a Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador, particularly recognising her contributions to the reform of the U.S.-Africa Trade Law, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Her advocacy helped shape key legislative frameworks that promote economic development between the U.S. and African nations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Onanuga has engaged in partisan politics. In 2002, she ran for Councilor in the United Kingdom under the Christian Peoples Alliance Party, demonstrating her commitment to civic leadership. More recently, during Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential elections, she was an active member of two major Presidential Campaign Committees (PCCs), contributing her strategic insights to national political discourse.
Driven by a passion for social impact and equity, Dr. Kemi Onanuga’s ultimate goal is to facilitate increased gender participation in governance, advocating for greater representation of women in leadership roles across both public and private sectors.
- Standing Conference Mediation Association (SCMA) UK;
- Institute of Chattered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Nigeria
- Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb)
- LLB (Hons)
- BL – Nigeria Law School
- MBA in Strategic Management (in progress)
