Overview
Tolu Obamuroh is a partner in the International Arbitration practice in Paris. He advises clients in complex disputes in a variety of sectors, with a particular focus on the construction and energy industries, and has a broad range of experience across these sectors. Tolu has represented clients from South and North America, Western and Eastern Europe, and Africa in major international arbitrations. In Africa, Tolu has advised both private and public sector clients and has significant experience in advising states and state entities in international disputes.
In addition to writing frequently on topics related to international arbitration, he regularly teaches international arbitration at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Prior to joining private practice, Tolu was the associate general counsel of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.
Admitted to practice in Paris pursuant to article 84 of the Decree of Nov. 27, 1991.
Accolades
- Arbitration Future Leader – Non-Partners, Lexology Index, France (2021-25)
- Africa's 30 Most Promising Arbitration Practitioners, Africa Arbitration Academy (2022)
- Africa's 50 Most Promising Young Arbitration Practitioners, Africa Arbitration Academy (2020)
Education
- Columbia Law School, LL.M., 2013
- Nigerian Law School, B.L., 2009
- Obafemi Awolowo University, LL.B., 2008
Representations
- A West African state in an ICC arbitration regarding the construction of a water treatment plant in the country.
- A West African state in an ICSID arbitration against a Korean investor in the oil and gas sector.
- The national committee of an African state in an arbitration under the aegis of the Court of Arbitration of Sport regarding anti-doping policies.
- An African state in its dispute with a Chinese investor, including coordinating efforts to resist enforcement.
- A European construction company in an ICC arbitration regarding the construction of a hydroelectric project in Chile.
- One of the claimants in an ICC arbitration regarding the construction of the Panama Canal in Panama.
- A West African state in two ICC arbitration regarding the construction of a hydroelectric power project in the country.
- A Nigerian energy company in an LCIA arbitration regarding a shareholder dispute.
- Acting as a tribunal secretary in an ongoing arbitration regarding the revocation of an oil license in an African state.
Engagement & Publications
- “Interocean v. Nigeria: Can a Domestic Investment Statute Provide the Basis for Claims under Customary International law?,” ICSID Review, Author, 2021
- “Jurisdiction and admissibility: a case study,” Oxford Arbitration International, Author, 2020, 36, 373-413
- “Fixing the bough to preserve the cradle: a call for more clarity and uniformity in enforcement courts’ review of arbitral tribunals’ jurisdictional determinations,” Reflections on International Arbitrations – Essays in Honour of Professor George Bermann, Author, 2022