General counsel | AXA Mansard Insurance
Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi
General counsel | AXA Mansard Insurance
Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi’s distinguished legal career spans over 20 years, during which she has held prestigious positions at leading Nigerian companies, including Etisalat Nigeria, WSTC Financial Services, Gapbridge Microfinance Bank, Strachan Partners, and Energy Basefield.
She joined Guaranty Assurance Plc, a Nigerian insurer, in 2011 and has since played a pivotal role in steering the company through key strategic cases and transactions, most notably its $246 million acquisition by AXA in 2014. A highly experienced legal professional with deep expertise across all facets of corporate law, Omowunmi has revitalised the legal function, ensuring it is well-equipped to seamlessly navigate AXA Mansard’s diverse business operations.
Respected by both senior and junior colleagues for her ability to devise innovative solutions to complex challenges, Omowunmi holds a highly influential position within the organisation. Her role extends beyond legal affairs to overseeing the Legal, Administration, Procurement, and Human Resources departments. In this multifaceted capacity, she is responsible for executing board-approved decisions while also driving strategic initiatives across talent acquisition, continuous learning and development, health and safety compliance, and adherence to all relevant regulatory frameworks.
Throughout her illustrious career, Omowunmi has earned widespread industry recognition. She was named a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award by the Nigerian Legal Award (ESQ Limited) in 2016, awarded Best Legal Counsel in Insurance by the same organisation in 2022, and was featured in the GC Powerlist Nigeria 2024 by Legal 500. Her exceptional organisational acumen, advanced drafting expertise, outstanding advocacy skills, and strong interpersonal abilities have cemented her reputation as a leading figure in the legal profession.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
Supporting the various stakeholders is crucial during periods of business crisis or instability. At such times, the priority is the survival of the business, and the legal team plays a key role in providing advice to ensure business continuity. It is essential to recognise that the legal function should always be guiding the company on the legal aspects of risk mitigation, operational resilience, and business continuity, even before any crisis arises. This is achieved by ensuring that relevant clauses are incorporated into contractual agreements as frequently as required.
With the awareness that, during instability or crises, a company is more vulnerable and the probability of control failures increases, the legal strategy must involve further collaboration with other control functions. This helps to set priorities and guide stakeholders in focusing on overcoming the crisis without breaching legal or regulatory requirements.
On strategic alignment, our team is always involved when strategies are being developed, ensuring that management is guided in the right direction and that none of the strategic plans expose the company to undue risks. By taking this approach, our legal strategy is fully integrated with the company’s overall objectives. As a result, our legal team does not operate independently of the company’s strategy but works closely with other stakeholders to achieve strategic goals while mitigating legal and regulatory risks.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economic or business-based)
Nigeria is currently experiencing significant economic instability, marked by fluctuating foreign exchange rates, volatile oil prices, and a steep rise in the cost of living. These economic pressures have created a challenging business environment, forcing some companies to shut down while others struggle to remain viable.
The legal landscape is also undergoing transformative changes, particularly in the regulation of the digital economy, data protection, and corporate governance. There is an increasing emphasis on technology-driven legal frameworks, regulatory oversight of startups, and enhanced compliance mechanisms.
Following the 2023 elections, new governance approaches have emerged, with a stronger focus on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and institutional restructuring. The current administration’s commitment to economic liberalisation and attracting foreign direct investment is reshaping the intersection between politics and the economy.
Additionally, technological advancements are driving significant shifts in business models. The rapid evolution of fintech, insurtech, and digital platforms is creating new opportunities while also challenging traditional business operations.
These trends collectively reflect a dynamic and complex environment that demands strategic agility, innovative thinking, and adaptive leadership.
Are there any causes, business or otherwise, you are passionate about?
I am passionate about people development and social impact. In my dual capacity as General Counsel and Human Resources Director, I am committed to nurturing talent and empowering young professionals through mentorship and strategic corporate social responsibility initiatives.
My approach centres on creating opportunities for emerging talent, offering guidance to help them navigate their career paths. I actively mentor young professionals, sharing knowledge and supporting their professional growth while also contributing to community development through targeted volunteering efforts.
By integrating leadership, mentorship, and community engagement, I strive to create a lasting positive impact that extends beyond organisational boundaries, enabling young talent to realise their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
General counsel | AXA Mansard Insurance
General counsel/head of legal and HR | AXA Mansard Insurance
Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi joined Nigerian insurer Mansard in 2011 and has since navigated the company through all strategic cases and transactions, including the company’s $246m acquisition by AXA in 2014....
