About Soibi Ovia

Soibi is a founding partner at Duale Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, where she leads the litigation and dispute resolution practice group. With over 17 years of experience, Soibi has established herself as a top-tier lawyer specializing in complex commercial and civil litigation, arbitration, and mediation. She has successfully represented high-profile clients across industries, including telecommunications, banking, energy, and intellectual property, delivering impactful legal solutions that balance commercial interests with effective dispute resolution strategies.

After obtaining her LL.B. from Rivers State University of Science and Technology in 2006, Soibi completed her legal education at the Nigerian Law School, qualifying as a barrister in 2007. Her dedication to continued professional growth is evident in her status as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and her involvement in various professional associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association, the NBA Section on Business Law, and the Capital Market Solicitors Association of Nigeria.

Soibi has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s litigation and ADR landscape, contributing both as a seasoned advocate and a thought leader. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Arbitration and ADR committee of the Nigerian Bar Association’s section on business law, where she promotes arbitration as a viable dispute resolution mechanism in Nigeria.

Her expertise and achievements have earned her recognition in the international legal community. In 2024, she was ranked by Who’s Who Legal for Commercial Litigation in Nigeria, and she was named a Global 100 Visionary Legal Trailblazer in Women in Leadership for the same year. In 2023, she was recognized as a Recommended Attorney for Dispute Resolution by Global Law Expert.

Known for her strategic approach and deep commitment to clients, Soibi has acted as lead counsel in several significant cases, including cross-border disputes and multi-billion-dollar commercial litigation. Her legal acumen and client-centric focus make her a trusted advisor in the most challenging disputes.

Beyond her legal practice, Soibi is passionate about mentoring young lawyers and is actively involved in professional development initiatives. Her dedication to the legal profession matches her desire to empower the next generation of legal talent.

Relevant Experience
  • Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution team overseeing the litigation and dispute Resolution portfolio of the Firm
  • Providing legal representation on behalf of an international oil and gas company domiciled in Geneva, Switzerland in relation to mid-stream oil and gas sale and purchase dispute valued at about $25,000,000.00
  • Advising and representing a major oil and gas player and international hedge sponsor in connection with commercial disputes and litigations valued at N3,800,000,000.00
  • Advising and representing blue-chip oil and gas company in a dispute arising from a JV worth NGN2,000,000,000.00
  • Lead counsel in the team representing a reputable international group of school in relation to an action challenging the validity of a Consent Judgment between the School and a reputable commercial bank with the adjudged sum valued at N4,000,000.000.00 (Four Billion Naira)
  • Advising and representing an indigenous Oil and Gas company on the recovery of a debt of over NGN5,000,000,000.00 from another indigenous company.
Education
  • Nigeria Law School (B.L.) - 2007
  • River States University of Science and Technology (LL.B.) - 2006
Memberships and Professional Associations
  • Secretary, Arbitration and ADR Committee of the NBA Section on Business Law
  • Member, Capital Market Solicitors Association of Nigeria
  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, (UK) Membership No 36255
  • Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
  • Member, Nigerian Bar Association-Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL)
  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Securities & Exchange Commission – Capital Market (Consultant)
Awards
  • Who’s Who Expert Ranking for Commercial Litigation in Nigeria - 2024
  • Global 100: Visionary Legal Trailblazer, Women in Leadership – 2024
  • Global Law Expert: Recommended Attorney for Dispute Resolution in Nigeria – 2023
  • Special recognition award for contribution and dedication to growth of ADR Society
  • Top 40 under 40 award for outstanding achievement in the legal industry