Our Leadership
Our Board of Directors
Aisha Oyebode
Chairperson
Mrs. Aisha Oyebode is the CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation and Group Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Group (AMG) Limited. Having trained as a legal practitioner, Aisha has experience in corporate and litigation matters with Ajumogobia, Okeke, Aluko and Oyebode. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989. She has completed several assignments with global financial institutions which include Caisse Privee Banque, Brussels; Banque Rivaud, Paris; and Banque Privee, Geneva.
Olalekan Akinyanmi
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Olalekan (“Lekan”), has over 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and investment markets, most recently with Alliance-Bernstein L.P. in New York where he spent six years as a research analyst and portfolio manager covering Energy and Materials worldwide. Lekan graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and also holds an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management.
Samuel Olotu
Executive Director & Chief Technical Officer
Sam is a broad-based Geoscientist with over 25 years of experience in asset management and field development, reservoir management, seismic data processing and interpretation with several oil majors. He has managed numerous major projects, delivering excellent project conceptualization and implementation under difficult conditions and tight schedules. Experienced in project management and assurance tools, Sam has a proven ability to build and lead diverse teams to deliver in performance-driven environments in Nigeria, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Edward During
Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer
Ed has a track record of leading and developing high calibre finance and commercial teams in challenging environments. UK Chartered Accountant, with over 30 years UK and international experience in the oil and gas industry. Prior to Lekoil Nigeria, Ed served in various leadership positions at Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited, including General Manager Business Services, Director Finance and Administration and CFO for all Addax companies in Nigeria.
Dr. Wura Abiola
Non-Executive Director
Wura is the Managing Director of Management Transformation, a leading consulting firm she founded in 1999, which specializes in leadership development, governance, organizational transformation, risk management, strategy, and public sector policy advisory. With over two decades of experience, Wura has played a significant role in shaping corporate and public sector strategies across Africa, working with a broad spectrum of clients ranging from government institutions to multinational corporations. Her expertise in organizational development and governance has been instrumental in driving structural reforms, improving institutional performance, and guiding leadership through complex challenges. In addition to her consulting work, Wura serves as the Chair of the FMDQ Debt Capital Markets Development/Infrastructure Finance Sub-Committee, where she contributes to the growth of Nigeria's capital markets and infrastructure financing. She is also a member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) Research, Strategy, and Advocacy Committee, where she supports the advancement of banking standards and strategic initiatives within the financial sector. Wura is recognized for her strategic insight, thought leadership, and commitment to fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Our Management Team
Gloria Iroegbunam
General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary
Gloria Iroegbunam serves as the General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary for Lekoil Nigeria, bringing over a decade of legal expertise in the oil and gas sector. Starting her career in 2005 with Aelex, a top-tier law firm, she gained significant experience advising on a wide range of complex legal and regulatory issues, including alternative tax structures for financing upstream activities, joint ventures, compliance, oil and gas field agreements, and legal due diligence for business acquisitions. Gloria has built a strong reputation for her ability to provide strategic legal counsel on corporate management and the drafting and negotiation of critical commercial agreements. In addition to her work with Aelex, she has also lent her expertise to major international law firms, including Herbert Smith LLP’s Energy division, where she advised on high-stakes legal matters for global energy companies. Her role at Lekoil Nigeria encompasses overseeing legal compliance, corporate governance, and providing critical legal support to the company’s operations, positioning her as a key player in ensuring the company’s legal and operational integrity in the highly regulated oil and gas industry.
Hamilton Esi
General Manager, Corporate Communications
Hamilton Esi is the General Manager of Corporate Communications at Lekoil Nigeria, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and managing the company’s strategic communications, public relations, and government affairs. His responsibilities include overseeing all internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and government officials. In addition to his communications role, Hamilton leads Lekoil’s Information Technology initiatives, driving the development and execution of IT strategies that enhance operational efficiency and support the company’s growth. Since joining Lekoil full-time in February 2014, he has brought a wealth of leadership experience from previous senior management roles, where he successfully led complex, high-profile projects across different regions. Hamilton is recognized for his ability to navigate the intricate landscape of corporate communications and government relations, positioning Lekoil as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Kike Fajemirokun
General Manager, Human Resources & Admin
Kike Fajemirokun is the General Manager, Human Resources of Lekoil Nigeria with company-wide responsibility for all HR activities, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, and leads the ESG and renewable energy business, where she is tasked with setting up and running the business. With over a decade at LEKOIL, she is responsible for the recruitment of 99% of the current team globally. Kike’s career began in the United Kingdom with Afren Plc. before moving on to First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN) where she played a key role in team development.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from Wake Forest University, US (2006); a certificate in Human Resource Management from Cornell University, US (2008); an MBA from Lancaster University Management School, UK (2010); and a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP Law School, UK (2013). She is also a Lifetime Member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria.
Matthias Akhideno
General Manager, Operations & Assets
Matthias Akhideo is a seasoned oil and gas professional with over 34 years of experience, specializing in leading multidisciplinary teams across the full spectrum of upstream operations, from subsurface planning and well engineering to drilling, completions, production, and asset decommissioning. During his 31-year tenure at Shell, where he rose to the position of Well Discipline and Engineering Manager, Matthias played a pivotal role in executing complex projects in diverse geographic and operational environments. His extensive global experience includes working with major industry players such as Shell, Agip KCO, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and Norske Hydro, where he delivered innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Known for his strategic vision and ability to navigate the technical and managerial challenges of the energy sector, Matthias has demonstrated a deep commitment to optimizing well lifecycle performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing sustainable practices in well abandonment and decommissioning operations.
Kunle Karim
General Manager, Engineering & Projects
Kunle is a highly experienced engineering and project management professional with over 30 years in the oil and gas industry, specializing in project delivery and engineering competence development. His distinguished career at Shell Nigeria (SPDC), where he retired as the Manager for Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), saw him excel in various technical and leadership roles, including Terminal/Offshore Engineer, Senior Oil and Gas Design Engineer, and Project Manager. Throughout his time at Shell, Kunle was instrumental in the successful execution of complex engineering projects, ensuring high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and innovation. After joining FIRST E&P in 2015 as a Project Manager, Kunle continued to demonstrate his expertise in leading large-scale projects before transitioning to his current role as a Senior Consultant at AVODAN Project and Engineering Services Limited in 2022. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, he is recognized for his ability to drive project success while mentoring and developing the next generation of engineering talent.
Godwin Okeke
General Manager, Safety, Health, Environment, Security & Sustainable Community Development
Godwin is an accomplished HSE professional with over 31 years of experience in the energy sector, primarily in oil and gas. He currently serves as General Manager, Safety, Health, Environment, and Security (SHES) at LEKOIL, overseeing the company’s HSE strategy and compliance.
His career includes senior roles at Shell, Kaztec Engineering, and Western Geophysical, with expertise spanning occupational safety, environmental sustainability, terminal operations, and electricity distribution. He holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Ife and has completed several executive programs in leadership and energy sector management.
Godwin is also the Founder of More Solar Projects Ltd, a consultancy focused on SHES and renewable energy. He is a founding BOT member and two-term National President of ASSP Nigeria, and a member of ISPON, NAPE, ASIS, and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration.