Frank is a Partner in Brown, Okeke & Kalejaiye and heads the firm’s real estate/construction, ICT and emerging areas department. He is a dynamic legal practitioner with huge passion for commercial, real estate and entertainment law. He is proficient at developing innovative approaches in solving client’s problems. Since his admission to the Nigerian Bar, he has worked with engagement teams on several matters, ranging from contentious litigation across the various superior courts of record in Nigeria to complex corporate and commercial transactions. He has previously worked in top commercial law firms in Nigeria.

He was part of the team that represented a data analytics firm in a proposed private equity fund investment of US $5 million. He has ample experience in various spheres of corporate commercial practice. Represented an international financial technology company in its acquisition of a microfinance bank in Nigeria.

An alumnus of the famous Kings College (KC) Lagos, Frank is an avid researcher. His LLB thesis, “The Negative Effects of Energy As Regards the Degradation of the Environment” supervised by Professor (Mrs.) Okorodudu-Fubara, was accepted at OAU in 2012. His unpublished works include “Understanding Receivership” (a primer) written in 2013.

He also has a keen interest in franchising and has advised several international brands on the regulatory and compliance issues related with franchising in Nigeria. He was the team lead representing a client (master franchisee) in a franchise arrangement with an international chain for its operation in Nigeria vis-à-vis NOTAP interface.

Frank advises major local and international real estate companies engaged in the development of ultramodern commercial/residential spaces on issues ranging from: single asset entities and implications on share transfer vis-à-vis transfer of title, Certificate of Occupancy Regularization with the State’s Lands Registry, hospitality industry regulatory requirements to preparation of co-development agreements, trade agreements, construction management agreements, joint venture agreements etc.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus: 2012 -2013 Barrister at Law (B.L) Hons.
• Obafemi Awolowo University,Osun State: 2007 – 2012 Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons.

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES:
• Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitration
• Member, International Bar Association
• Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• Member, Kings College Old Boys Association

PRACTICE AREAS
• Real Estate
• Sports Law
• Intellectual Property
• Franchise
• Dispute Resolution
• Corporate, Commercial and Compliance

PUBLICATIONS:

1. ‘COSON v. MCSN: Let the Music Pay Who Exactly?’ (BD Law, BusinessDay Newspaper, 11 July 2019, pg. 30).

2. ‘Issues: Leveraging Intellectual Property & Real Estate Options In Franchise Development In Nigeria’ (March 2019).

3. ‘Nigeria Free Trade Zone Regime: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)’ (February 2019).

4. ‘Exclusion Clauses: When He Who Pays The Piper Does Not Dictate The Tune’ (January 2019).

5. ‘Healthcare Litigation: An Angel in Disguise?’ (October 2018).

6. ‘Constructions: Legal Issues in Minding How You Build’ (September 2018).

7. ‘Inflections: Unlocking Value Through Real Estate Joint Ventures’ (July 2018).

8. ‘Regulating Market Dominance in Nigeria: Issues Arising from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2017’ (July 2018).

9. ‘Details: Issues on Execution of Documents in Nigeria’ (June 2018).

10. ‘Franchising in Nigeria: Models and Legal Considerations’ (BD Law, BusinessDay Newspaper, 5 June 2018, pg. 29).

11. ‘Keeping Your Hiring Practices Legal: Employment & Employee Issues FAQs in Nigeria’ (June 2018).

12. ‘Considerations: Third Party Litigation and Arbitration Funding in Nigeria’ (March 2018).

13. ‘Horizons: Utilising IP as Security for Financing Transactions in Nigeria’ (ThisDay Lawyer, ThisDay Newspaper, 22 February, 2018, pg. 20).

14. ‘Unlocking Real Estate Value In Nigeria: Legal & Regulatory Issues’ (January 2018).

15. ‘Understanding Share Transfers In Nigeria: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)’ (October 2017)

16. ‘Franchising: A Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success in Nigeria’ (ThisDay Lawyer, ThisDay Newspaper, 2 August 2016, pp.10-11)