Pump Court Chambers

Widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s and Nigeria’s leading barristers, he has a broad international practice with a particular interest in Africa. He provides high-level advice and representation for individuals, corporate clients and other organisations, in matters ranging from business and general crime to corrupt practices, commercial litigation, contractual disputes and health and safety. Oba is qualified in both the UK and Nigeria and is highly experienced in the courts of both countries. His work in Nigeria includes advising in large environmental damage cases. He represents a large number of the families of victims killed in the recent Dana air crash in Lagos, and acts as arbitrator and counsel in a number of complex arbitrations. He has also appeared in the High Court of England and Wales as an expert witness in UK cases involving Nigerian law. Oba provides expert regulatory guidance to businesses on the legal framework in UK and Nigeria. In addition, through a close network of partner firms, he also assists with other African jurisdictions. In general crime, he has prosecuted and defended in serious criminal cases, including the successful representation of two defendants in linked trials in the long-running prosecution of former governor, James Ibori. In health and safety his work is peerless; well-recognised as leader in this area, he has been involved in a number of the leading authorities. He acts as a legal assessor for the General Medical Council and the Nursing & Midwifery Council and also sits as a part-time judge in the Crown Court.

Called 1985, Gray’s Inn; QC 2002. Appointed Crown Court recorder 1999; elected bencher of Gray’s Inn 2005; Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts 2006; legal assessor for the General Medical Council 2007; visiting professor of law, City University 2009; legal assessor to the Nursing and Midwifery Council 2013; legal assessor to the General Pharmaceutical Council 2014. Overseas appointments: appointed senior advocate of Nigeria 2005; Fellow Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) 2007; board member, Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors, Ghana 2010; member of the Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (on the appointment of H.E. President Goodluck Jonathan) 2013.

Body of Benchers, Nigeria 2005.

St Edward’s School, Oxford; University of Hull (LLB).

African art, jazz, travel.