Nigeria’s Ayokunle Ayoko has been named Finest General Counsel of the Year at the 2026 Legal Era-Africa Law Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The award, presented at the recent Legal Era-Africa Law Awards, recognised outstanding contributions to legal practice, corporate governance and compliance across Africa.

The event brought together corporate counsel, law firms, legal practitioners and business leaders from across the continent to celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in the legal profession.

Ayoko, who is the Group Company Secretary, Head of Legal and Chief Compliance Officer of CFAO Nigeria Group, received the continental recognition following what organisers described as his contributions to corporate governance and legal advisory services.

The recognition adds to a growing list of honours received by the governance professional.

He has previously been recognised in the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist Nigeria for 2024, 2025 and 2026, received the Modern Governance 100 Global and Ethics Leader Award, and been named Finest General Counsel – West Africa in 2025.

Legal Era said the yearly Africa Law Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership in advancing the legal profession across the continent.

The statement added that Ayoko has worked across the banking, manufacturing and consumer goods sectors and previously held legal and company secretarial roles at FirstBank, Berger Paints Plc and International Breweries Plc before joining CFAO Nigeria Group in 2023.