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Meet Our Team:

Committed to Excellence in Law

LEAD PARTNER

Oyaje, James Oyigoga Esq

OYAJE, JAMES OYIGOGA has built a great passion for the legal profession overtime. His exposure to law practice before, during and after his Call to the Nigerian Bar has greatly enhanced his advocacy skills. His good knowledge of Information and Communication Technology has greatly helped and exposed him to resolving IT related issues.
In addition to a good command of English language, he speaks French fluently. He is very motivated, driven and hardworking. Overtime, He has developed excellent leadership and teamwork skills as well as great negotiating skills. Consequently all these have made him adaptable and well-rounded.
PARTNER

Okolocha, Adaobi Augusta

Barrister Adaobi Okolocha is an accomplished corporate and commercial lawyer with a distinguished career in the energy and oil and gas sectors. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Commercial and International Law from the prestigious University of Hertfordshire, England, and is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.

She also holds a certificate in Oil and Gas Contracts from TEI, Rwanda; a certificate in Corporate Governance and Compliance from the Chartered Governance Institute, UK; a certificate in Advanced Contract Management from the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management; a certificate in Corporate Communications from GLOMACS, UK; a certificate in People Management for Strategic Advantage from the Lagos Business School, etc.

She commenced her professional practice as a Co-Founder and Partner at Pillar-Rest Attorneys, a full-service law firm providing comprehensive legal advisory and representation across diverse areas of law. Motivated by a deep interest in the commercial dimensions of legal practice and the evolving landscape of the energy industry, she has handled and advised on complex corporate and international transactions, some of which involved NNPC Trading Limited.

Barrister Okolocha has provided strategic legal and regulatory advisory support on gas commercialization, contracting frameworks, and stakeholder relations on various high profile transactions in the gas sector, some of which involved the Gas Aggregator Company Nigeria Limited/GTE.

In recognition of her influential contributions to societal growth, Barrister Okolocha was in 2025 given the Prestigious Achiever’s Award by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

She is highly regarded for her high legal acumen, innovative professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence in advancing Nigeria’s gas and energy transition agenda.

Pillar-Rest Attorneys
HEAD OF LITIGATION

Onuoha, U.C. Esq

Udochukwu C. Onuoha is a seasoned legal professional with over a decade of experience. With Proven expertise in advising clients on complex legal matters, and navigating high-stakes negotiations. Skilled in providing innovative legal solutions that drive business growth and success.

Commited to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations. Trusted advisor to top executives and organizations, with a reputation for integrity, expertise, and results-driven approach.

Pillar-Rest Attorneys
ASSOCIATE

Amaechi, Harrison Esq

HEAD OF LITIGATION

Obi, Emmanuel Esq

Uwazie Obinna Emmanuel is a dynamic and result-driven legal practitioner based in Abuja, Nigeria. He currently serves as the Head of Litigation at Pillar Rest Attorneys, where he oversees a broad range of contentious matters and leads the firm’s advocacy team with precision, strategy, and professional excellence.

Renowned for his competence in litigation and dispute resolution, Uwazie has consistently demonstrated exceptional advocacy, analytical depth, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He represents individuals, corporations, and institutions before superior courts of record across Nigeria. His core practice areas include civil and commercial litigation, enforcement of fundamental rights, corporate governance, real estate, and contractual disputes.

As Head of Litigation, Uwazie is particularly known for his strategic approach to complex cases, blending thorough legal research with persuasive courtroom advocacy and sound professional judgment. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork, ethical practice, and the pursuit of justice through diligence and integrity.

Beyond litigation, he offers advisory services on corporate and commercial law, regulatory compliance, and business transactions guiding clients through Nigeria’s dynamic legal and commercial landscape.

A proud member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Uwazie Obinna Emmanuel continues to contribute to the development of legal practice through mentorship, professional training, and thought leadership in emerging areas of law.

At his firm, Uwazie embodies professionalism, passion, and purpose, qualities that define his pursuit of justice and excellence in legal practice.

HEAD OF CORPORATE DEPARTMENT

Gbev, Sonia Erdoo

She is a skilled legal practitioner with extensive experience in general legal practice, specializing in corporate law and regulatory compliance. She currently serves as the Head of the Corporate Department at Pillar-Rest attorneys where she oversees corporate governance, business advisory, and compliance-related matters for a diverse range of clients.

A graduate of Benue State University, she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 21, 2015. Since her call to the Bar, she has built a distinguished career providing legal advisory services across corporate and regulatory sectors.

In her current role, she assists clients with company formation, contract review and drafting, regulatory filings, and ensuring adherence to statutory and compliance obligations. Her commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor within the firm and among clients.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she continues to stay abreast of developments in corporate and regulatory law, constantly refining her expertise to deliver effective and strategic legal solutions.

LEGAL CONSULTANT

Patience, Yusuf Odeniya

Patience Yusuf Odeniya brings over five years of experience across diverse areas of legal practice, including corporate restructuring, compliance, legal research, and various branches of law such as commercial, contract, and family law.

She is particularly skilled in policy drafting and has played a key role in supporting the firm’s strategic and legal objectives through clear, practical, and well-reasoned legal analysis.

She holds an LL.B from Baze University, Abuja, where she graduated as the Best Graduating Student, and a B.L from the Nigerian Law School.

Russell Yilchir Gerlong

Russell Yilchir Gerlong is a legal practitioner with core expertise in litigation, corporate practice, and administrative law. He holds a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Jos, as well as a Barrister-at-Law (B.L) from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. Russell is driven by a deep interest in how law can shape innovation, strengthen regulatory compliance, and support the growth of emerging businesses in today’s digital economy. He is particularly passionate about the intersection of law and technology, with professional interests spanning artificial intelligence, intellectual property, data protection, data governance, and startup regulation. Russell is committed to continuous learning, professional excellence, and contributing to legal frameworks that enable responsible innovation, economic development, and the advancement of technology-driven solutions in Nigeria and beyond.
NYSC, ASSOCIATE

A.U. Opara

A.U. Opara is a Nigerian lawyer with a focus on Alternative dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law. She is passionate about demystifying complex legal and regulatory frameworks, empowering businesses and individuals to navigate their obligations with confidence. Her work is dedicated to bridging the gap between legal theory and practical business realities, ensuring clients can make informed and strategic decisions.

She holds an LL.B (Second Class Upper) from Imo State University and a B.L. (Second Class Upper) from the Nigerian Law School. She further strengthens her dispute resolution capabilities with a Certificate in Mediation and Conciliation from the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Arbitrators.

Her legal expertise has been honed through roles at the High Court of the FCT, Obans Legal Consult, and Solution Chambers, where she gained substantial experience in legal research, drafting court processes, and supporting dispute resolution.

At Pillar-Rest Attorneys, she applies her skills to provide diligent legal support, conduct research, and assist in managing client portfolios and court proceedings.

Get in touch with us today

If you are facing a legal issue, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation. Our team of legal experts is here to help, and we are committed to providing the guidance and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call us today at +234 705 762 0988 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment. Let us help you protect your rights and secure the future you deserve.