KEY POINTS
- The Nestoil representation dispute tension halted progress on the appeal.
- Lawyers clashed over who could speak for Nestoil and Neconde.
- The companies face debt claims and frozen accounts.
A lingering fight over who can speak in court for Nestoil and its affiliate, Neconde, has stalled a major appeal until next year and pulled fresh attention toward Nestoil founder Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi.
The delay comes as the companies face disputes tied to debts, frozen accounts, and control of a multibillion-naira oil asset. The Court of Appeal in Abuja planned to hear arguments on December 4, 2025, but the session shifted as soon as two separate legal teams announced appearances for both the 1st and 2nd respondents.
Ayoola Ajayi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told the three-member panel that appellate rulings require judges to settle representation questions at the outset. He referenced prior decisions, including ZP Ind v. Zanutech and AG Fed v. ICAN. Ajayi said he had already applied to strike out processes filed by Muiz Banire and to disqualify Banire from representing the 1st respondent. Banire countered that he remained counsel on record. He asked the court to acknowledge his appearance until the motion challenging him became ripe for hearing.
Ayo Olorunfemi and Chief Wole Olanipekun, also Senior Advocates, took positions that aligned with Ajayi and Banire. Olanipekun said he had not been served with any motion seeking to remove him and that he learned of the challenge in open court. The situation created uncertainty across the bench as the justices attempted to determine the proper sequence for addressing representation issues.
Appeal delay heightens leadership tension
According to Billionaire Africa, Kehinde Ogunwumiju told the panel that he represented Nnenna Obiejesi, the 4th respondent. He said no one contested his appearance. The court noted that his application was filed on notice, and it added that the disputes involving the other parties named in the notice must be resolved before it can proceed.
