Drama unfolded on Thursday at the Court of Appeal in Lagos as senior lawyers disputed who is authorised to represent Nestoil Limited and its affiliate Neconde Energy Limited. The clash forced the court to adjourn the case to resolve the issue of legal representation.

Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who has represented Neconde since the matter began in the Federal High Court, said he had been abruptly replaced by a new legal team appointed by the receiver/manager. He described the replacement as improper and untimely.

The new team included Aleoge Esq for Neconde and M.B. Ganiyu for Nestoil, reportedly stepping in for another lead counsel, Muiz Banire, SAN. Ayoola Ajayi also introduced himself as the newly appointed lead counsel for Nestoil, supported by Ganiyu and Yemi Arikawe. Banire contested the move, insisting that he remains Nestoil’s valid counsel until the appellate court rules otherwise.

The presiding panel, led by Justice Y.B. Nimpar, decided that the question of legal representation must be resolved before the court can proceed. The case was adjourned to 15 January 2026, with all contending lawyers directed to submit affidavits and written addresses supporting their right to represent Nestoil and Neconde.

The underlying suit, brought by FBNQuest Merchant Bank and First Trustees Limited, involves the recovery of more than US$1 billion and ₦430 billion allegedly owed by Nestoil, Neconde, and their promoters. The banks had previously secured a court injunction freezing the companies’ accounts and shareholdings and had a court-appointed receiver manage key assets.

After disputes over the receivership and earlier rulings, the appellate court restored the receivership, setting the stage for Thursday’s contested appearance. The resolution of the legal representation dispute will determine who speaks for the companies and could affect the management of their assets.