Lead Compliance &
Compliance Group Head

Fope Agbede, also published as Fopefoluwa G. Agbede, is the Lead Compliance at Smith & Partners LP.

A Multidisciplinary Practice

Fopefoluwa has advised clients across multiple sectors, including Finance, Technology, Real Estate, Energy, Shipping and Maritime, Employment, and Corporate Governance.

His practice encompasses corporate and commercial transactions, project and infrastructure finance, asset management, debt recovery, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and labour and employment law.

Known for his pragmatic and client-focused approach, Fope delivers solutions that blend technical precision with commercial awareness.

Landmark Work &
Notable Representations

Fopefoluwa has played a key role in major transactions and disputes, including being part of the legal team that facilitated the transfer of over 90 properties across all 36 states of the federation from NATCOM Development and Investments Ltd to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) — one of the largest asset transfers in the country's history.

He also played a key role in a labour dispute between Patricia Technologies Ltd and a group of employees, securing compensation packages after they were unlawfully laid off without notice or benefits.

He has acted as advisor in complex commercial arbitration proceedings involving high-value contractual claims, advised multinational corporations on compliance with Nigerian regulatory frameworks, and represented financial institutions in debt restructuring and recovery mandates.

He has also handled sensitive employment matters involving wrongful termination and workplace discrimination, providing dispute resolution strategies to safeguard employee rights.

International Reach,
Local Expertise

Fopefoluwa's experience also spans cross-border advisory. He has supported international clients entering the Nigerian market, particularly in the fintech and technology sectors, ensuring compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations, the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and other sector-specific rules.

He contributed to the development of advanced legal artificial intelligence systems with Mercor AI by creating sophisticated, practice-specific legal scenarios that mirrored real-world partner-to-associate workflows. His work encompassed complex legal matters involving regulatory analysis, transactional structuring, litigation strategy, due diligence investigations, and risk assessment across multiple practice areas

He has also provided support in electoral litigation, focusing on the interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as governance disputes within political entities.

Fope is a skilled legal researcher,writer and speaker, with published works in corporate, commercial, and regulatory law. He contributes regularly to thought leadership discussions on Nigeria's evolving commercial landscape, labour rights, and financial regulation. His dual strength in resolving disputes and transactional work positions him as a versatile advocate and trusted advisor to clients across industries.

His paper "The Case for a Rights-Centred AI Regulatory Framework in Africa's Digital Transformation" was selected for publishing in the Journal of the African Bar Association 2026 Annual General Conference in Sal, Cape Verde. He also served as a panelist at the conference where he presented a speech on Artificial Intelligence and Data Privacy in Africa

Professional Training &
Legal Education

In addition to practice, Fopefoluwa is actively engaged in thought advocacy and legal education. In 2026, he Advocated for a Rights-Centred AI Regulation as a Panelist at the African Bar Association's 2026 Conference in Sal, Cape Verde

He frequently features as a guest speaker on KONFAM 89.5 FM’s Know Your Rights series, educating listeners across Nigeria on their civic rights, and the statutory boundaries governing office holders and security agencies.