Management – AWLA Nigeria

Executive Members

Caroline Aituaje Ibharuneafe (Mrs.)

President (AWLA NIG)

Caroline Aituaje Ibharuneafe is an accomplished professional with 36 years of experience as a legal practitioner. She currently holds the position of principal partner at Carol Ibharuneafe and Co., where she manages a wide range of responsibilities and obligations.

With a background in legal practice, Carol Ibharuneafe has made significant contributions to the growth and success of Carol Ibharuneafe & Co. She is recognized for her distinct skills and attributes, including her keen attention to detail, strategic thinking, and outstanding leadership abilities. Her leadership has been pivotal in organizing initiatives that empower women in the legal profession, significantly enhancing the visibility and impact of AWLA Nigeria.

Felicitas Nwaobi (Mrs.)

Vice President (AWLA NIG)

Felicitas Nwaobi is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the legal field. She holds a Diploma in Law, a Diploma in Secretarial Administration, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. As the Principal Partner at Felicitas Nwaobi & Co., she has built a distinguished career advocating for justice and providing top-tier legal services.

Presently, she is the Head of Administration and Vice President of AWLA (African Women Lawyers Association) Nigeria. Mrs. Nwaobi has made immeasurable contributions to the organization’s growth. Her dedication continues to inspire and drive the organization’s success.

Oboiseoye Perpetua Chigbue

General Secretary (AWLA NIG)

Oboiseoye Perpetua Chigbue, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years post call experience in professional Legal Practice and Administration; with a Masters degree in Law from the University of Lagos (Unilag).

Currently, she holds the position of Head, Legal Services Unit of the Lagos State Judiciary, where she overseas legal services.

With a background in legal practice and civil service administration, she has contributed significantly to the success and growth of the High Court.

She is intuitive, proactive, and is known for her dedication to her duties, hard work and people management.

Toriola Tawakalitu (Mrs.)

Assistant General Secretary (AWLA NIG)

Toriola Tawakalitu is an experienced solicitor, certified mediator, and entrepreneur with over Nineteen years of experience. She is the founder and principal partner at Oasis Mediation and Solicitors Firm. Before founding her legal and ADR firm, she held a key role at Celtron Group, a PR and marketing communications company, ultimately ascending to the position of Group Managing Director. In 2013, she made the decision to oversee a portfolio of family businesses, including her legal and ADR firm, and her skilled leadership has been instrumental in developing and successfully executing growth strategies.

She holds an LLM in Mediation and ADR from the University of Law, England, and she is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICARB). Her dedication to her profession is evident in her certifications from the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) and the International Mediation Campus (IMC) in Germany, among others.

She is highly creative, professional, and passionate about success. With her legal background, she excels in strategic planning, leadership, and effective communication and negotiation with clients and stakeholders.

Grace Chigala Ajaegbo, Ph.D.

Public Relations Officers, AWLA NIG

Grace Ajaegbo is a seasoned professional with years of experience in Legislative drafting. She currently serves as an Assistant Director at the Rivers State House of Assembly, where she oversees the litigation unit. With a background in Legal and Legislative Drafting, Grace Ajaegbo has contributed significantly to the success and growth of the Rivers State House of Assembly Legal Services Department. She is known for her editorial skills and penmanship, and has her passion in women and children rights advocacy, particularly in rehabilitation and reformation of juvenile delinquents.

Julie Lisa Onyeagba (Mrs.)

Treasurer (AWLA NIG)

Julie Lisa Onyeagba is a seasoned professional with 21 years of experience in property practices. She currently serves as the Principal Partner of JL Onyeagba & Co., a firm renowned for its excellence in buying, selling, and managing properties. Under her leadership, JL Onyeagba & Co. manages an extensive portfolio of properties across Nigeria, providing top-tier services to a wide range of clients. The firm’s reputation for exceptional property management and transactions is well-established nationwide.

Monica Akinuli

Welfare 1 (AWLA NIG)

Monica Akinuli became a barrister and solicitor of the Nigerian Supreme Court in 1995 after graduating from OAU, Ile-Ife, and completing her law school training and professional exams in Victoria Island, Lagos. That same year, she joined her siblings at OKORODUDU & OKORODUDU Chambers on Ginuwa Road, Warri.

Monica and her husband currently run a private legal practice in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, called Jurisconsensus Law Firm. Beyond her legal practice, Monica is actively involved in various advocacy activities, including hosting and facilitating campaigns for children and women through the MAG Foundation for Women’s Economic Empowerment and other organizations.

She is a member of several collaborative advocacy groups, including the International Human Rights Services (Port Harcourt branch), African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), FIDA, Juris Advocacy Group (JAG), Teens for Christ, Beauty in Every Life Foundation (BIEL), and the MAG Foundation. Additionally, she has participated in drafting and sponsoring public policies and legislation that promote fundamental human rights for women and children across Nigeria.

Dikibujiri Ebenezer Bobmanuel (Mrs)

Welfare 2 (AWLA NIG)

Reintegration Officer, Office of the Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Diki Bobmanuel is a seasoned professional with 12 years post call experience. She commenced her legal practice with the law firm of Adedipe & Adedipe Legal Practitioner, where she gained knowledge of litigation and legal drafting skills. Thereafter, she worked as a Legal Officer, Legal Department, and Program Officer, Institute of Continuing Legal Education of the Nigerian Bar Association National Secretariat.
Currently, Diki is a Reintegration Officer at the Office of the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (OAPAP).

With a background in legal practice, Diki has contributed significantly to the Legal Services Department of the OAPAP. She is known for her litigation experience, legal drafting skills, computer and digital lifestyle skills, as well as her ADR and arbitration prowess.

Diki also engages in pro bono services and freelance as solicitor and consultant in DBLP Chambers.

She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Associate, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrator, and Member International Bar Association.

Nnenna Anozie

Financial secretary (AWLA NIG)

Nnenna Anozie is an accomplished professional with 17 years of experience as a legal practitioner. She currently holds the position of president NNENNA ANOZIE FOUNDATION (NAF) and National Director Of Programs League of women voters of Nigeria where she manages a wide range of responsibilities and obligations. With a background in legal practice, Nnenna Anozie has established a legal clinic in Nnenna Anozie Foundation in collaboration with other NGOs with sponsorship from OSIWA where she renders free legal services to the indigent women and girls in Enugu State. She’s one of the leading advocates of good governance, inclusion, Women Empowerment and gender equality in Enugu State haven contested for the governorship of Enugu State in 2019. She is recognized for her distinct skills and attributes, including her keen attention to detail, strategic thinking, and outstanding leadership abilities. Nnenna Anozie was awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Humanitarian services by Prowess University Delaware USA for her numerous humanitarian services in Nigeria.

Board of Trustees

Rtd. Honourable Justice Ayotunde Philips

Chairman

Priscilla Kuye,
The first and only female Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association

Hon. Justice Lati Folami

Funmi Falana, SAN

Mandy Asagba

Secretary

Zonal Coordinators

Bola Animashaun

South-West Zonal Coordinator AWLA, Nigeria

Animashaun Bolatumi Olabunso has a B.A. (English & Education)1979, Master of Public Administration (MPA)1997 and a LLB 2006 all from the University of Lagos. She has a BL 2007 from the Nigerian Law School. She is a Certified Mediator CEDR (UK) which she obtained in 2011. She also has an Online Dispute Resolution (ODReurope Certification 2021) certificate.

She is presently the Managing Partner, Bolatumi Animashaun & Co ‘BLOSSOM CHAMBER.’ She specializes in this area of practice; Family Law, Business / Commercial Law, Mediation (LMSDC, ADR Fast Track – Lagos and Ikeja judiciary).

She is the South West Zonal Coordinator and member of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria.

Adepeju Quadri (Mrs.)

North-East Zonal Coordinator AWLA, Nigeria

Sakinah Adepeju Oluwaseun Oduye-Quadri is a lawyer, Certified mediator, tax consultant, women and children advocate. She became a member of the African Women Lawyers Association, Nigeria in 2003 and has since been an active member of the Association. She was the past Vice President and Acting President of the Association, easy going and unassuming. She has attended several trainings, courses and seminars on women and children. She is the current General Secretary of AWLA.

Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.)

South-South Zonal Coordinator AWLA, Nigeria.

Former AWLAN Rivers State Coordinator (2016-2020).
She holds an LLM in Public International Law from the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK, after an LLB from the Rivers State, University, Nigeria. She’s a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) UK.
Currently an Assistant Director Public Prosecutions at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
She’s also a Writer, Certified Mediation Trainer and Public Speaker

Nnenna Uko (Mrs.) (FcArb)

South-East Zonal Coordinator AWLA, Nigeria

Nnenna Nwaku Uko who was called to the Nigerian bar in 1987 is the Managing Partner in Ikechi & Nnenna Uko LP. She is a Notary Public and a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (FCArb). She is also a member of the Panel of Neutrals in the Enugu State Multidoor Courthouse.

Nnenna was the chairman of Nigerian Bar Association Enugu Bar 2010-2012 and has remained a member of the National Executive Council of the NBA for more than a decade. She is a seasoned litigator, arbitrator, mediator, and a very efficient project manager who has helped organize several large scale conferences. She has been a member as well as chaired several committees.

Mrs. Uko is the legal adviser and Communique Chair for the Enugu Women Anglican Diocese. She has been a secretary to the board of an orphanage and continues to fight passionately for the vulnerable in the society. Nnenna Uko is currently the South East Coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association(AWLA).

Grace Perpetual Dafiel (Mrs.)

North-West Zonal Coordinator AWLA, Nigeria

Barr. Grace Perpetual Dafiel PhD, LLM, BL, LLB, ACIS, FCALM, FCIFC, FCIIM is an excellent director, Team leader, advocate for children and women, researcher and problem solver, a teacher, an arbitrator & conciliator, an effective organisational development specialist, program coordinator, designer, evaluator, manager, facilitator, trainer, with over 23 years cumulative practical experience in social and humanitarian work and over 17 years legal and protection services for women and children in Nigeria. A certified project manager (PMD Pro 1&2) by PM4NGO/APMG

She is the National Coordinator/ founder of Association for OVC NGOs in Nigeria (AONN) the only network for OVC focused NGOs and CBOs in Nigeria which she has coordinated for the past 16 years. She is also the National Coordinator/Secretary to the board of New Hope Agency. Executive Director/Vice President, Touch A Heart Social and Economic Right Initiative- NGO, Principal Partner/Consultant: Peplat Consults/Grace Perpetual Dafiel and Associate-A research and training firm/ legal firm for litigation, mediation and arbitration matters.

She joined the AWLA Team this year and is presently the North West Coordinator of the Association.

Core Staff

Mrs. Felicitas Nwaobi

Head of Administration

Felicitas Nwaobi was called to the Bar in 2011. She has a Diploma in Law and worked with the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies before proceeding to obtain her LLB IN 2002. She is an astute member of NBA Ikeja and was the electoral chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum first ever election. She joined AWLA IN 2013 and has twice been the chairman of the committee that organized our new year party.