In a significant event for Nigeria's legal community, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, unveiled his latest book, 'Preliminary Objections in Litigation', at the 2025 KENNA Litigation Forum. The forum, which took place on November 25 in Lagos, gathered prominent legal practitioners and corporate executives to explore the critical theme of shifting focus from dispute resolution to prevention and management.
A Forum for Legal Innovation
Opening the event, Professor Ajogwu, a Senior Partner at KENNA, set the tone by highlighting the growing significance of dispute prevention in modern legal practice. He pointed out that while conflicts in business are inevitable, making an early investment in preventing and managing them is far more cost-effective for companies in the long run. This perspective framed the day's discussions, moving the conversation beyond traditional litigation.
The forum featured a panel session moderated by Ms. Chiamaka Anakua, an Associate at KENNA. This session delved into practical tools for resolving disputes before they escalate into full-blown legal battles. The panel included distinguished speakers such as Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Maritime Lawyers Association; Mr. Emeka Anyaeji, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Quantum Zenith Group; and Mr. Damilola Raji, a Senior Associate at KENNA.
Key Insights from Legal Luminaries
The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who underscored the importance of procedural discipline, foresight, and enhanced collaboration between in-house legal teams and external counsel. He identified these elements as essential for reducing the volume of avoidable litigation and commended Professor Ajogwu for his substantial contributions to strengthening the fabric of Nigerian legal practice.
During the panel, Mike Igbokwe, SAN, advocated for a move away from purely adversarial legal approaches. He emphasized the need for more collaborative methods that help preserve valuable business relationships, noting that clients now prioritize efficiency and significant cost reduction.
Emeka Anyaeji provided a corporate counsel's viewpoint, outlining effective risk-management strategies. These included the necessity for clearer contract drafting and proactive engagement with stakeholders to prevent misunderstandings. Damilola Raji highlighted modern tools like pre-mortem analysis and the application of artificial intelligence to identify potential vulnerabilities in contracts before they become problematic.
Adding to the rich discourse, C.O. Toyin Pinheiro, SAN of Toyin Pinheiro & Co., related the forum's theme directly to the daily challenges faced by in-house counsel, particularly persistent issues in case management. Furthermore, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN of Pinheiro LP, stressed that a large number of corporate disputes are entirely avoidable. He linked significant financial losses directly to the absence of early legal intervention and robust preventive measures.
The Grand Unveiling
The forum culminated in the public presentation of Professor Ajogwu's new book, 'Preliminary Objections in Litigation'. In the foreword, renowned legal scholar Prof. Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN, praised the work as a valuable and timely contribution to Nigerian legal jurisprudence. He commended the book for its exceptional clarity and its high degree of practical relevance for practicing lawyers. Representatives from the publishers, CLDS Publishing, were present at the event to mark the official launch.
The 2025 KENNA Litigation Forum successfully highlighted a paradigm shift in the legal industry, championing a more proactive, cost-conscious, and relationship-preserving approach to commercial disputes in Nigeria.
