With a legal career spanning over three decades, Ejide Sodipo stands as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished authorities in commercial and maritime law. A respected litigator, strategist, and advisor, she has represented clients in more than 400 cases, including appearances before the Supreme Court of Nigeria – a testament to her legal mastery and enduring influence in the industry.

Ejide’s fascination with maritime law was born from her heritage: her parents were among Nigeria’s first indigenous shipowners. This early exposure to the world of shipping laid the foundation for a life and career deeply connected to the complexities of international trade and marine risk. That passion led her to University College London, where she earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Commercial and Maritime Law in 1984.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Ejide served as legal counsel in the Lagos State Government’s Justice Department, before transitioning into academia as a lecturer in commercial law at the University of Ibadan. Her commitment to the legal field has always extended beyond the courtroom – into public service, education, and systemic reform.

Her career took a defining turn when she was appointed as legal advisor and statutory compliance consultant at Relugas Nigeria Ltd, an affiliate of Sheringham P&I Services, UK. In this role, she represented the majority of the International Group of P&I Mutual and Insurance Consortia in Nigeria, becoming a trusted bridge between global insurers and Nigerian maritime stakeholders. Ejide went on to lead the establishment of Relugas’ Nigerian branch, solidifying her role as a pioneer in the mutuals space.

Today, she is widely acknowledged as Nigeria’s leading authority on Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Mutuals. She initiated the country’s first federal technical committee to explore the establishment of a local P&I Mutual Association, and she continues to advise government agencies and private institutions on legal and regulatory frameworks. Her presentations before organizations such as the Nigerian Shipowners Association, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) underscore her commitment to thought leadership and sector-wide advancement.

Currently, Ejide leads Pye-M Systems, a Lagos-based mutual consultancy and advisory firm. Her work reflects not only professional excellence but also a lifelong dedication to building resilient systems, mentoring future legal minds, and shaping the future of maritime risk and insurance.