Meristem Nigeria has announced the appointment of Kemi (Olubọba) Ojenike as Managing Director of Meristem Family Office, marking a significant leadership transition that underscores the firm’s commitment to integrated wealth management and long-term value creation.

The appointment, which took effect in January 2026, places Ojenike at the helm of a platform dedicated to supporting accomplished individuals and families in preserving, growing and transferring wealth across generations.

Her emergence into the role reflects not only professional progression, but also the convergence of law, governance, communication and social responsibility into one cohesive leadership philosophy.

From Legal Foundations to Wealth Stewardship

With over a decade of professional experience, Ojenike brings a rare blend of legal depth and strategic advisory expertise to her new position. Trained as a lawyer, she has consistently applied legal structures and frameworks as practical tools for solving real-world problems guiding clients from abstract ideas to executable outcomes.

Over time, that foundation expanded naturally into family wealth advisory, where she has become known for helping families design systems that protect not just financial assets, but also values, legacy and intergenerational harmony. Her approach recognises wealth as multidimensional spanning financial capital, governance structures, human capacity and relational continuity.

By prioritising intentional planning and long-term optimisation, she has helped families safeguard their complete wealth while aligning strategy with purpose.

Leadership Continuity Within Meristem

Before her elevation to Managing Director, Ojenike served as Chief Operations Officer of Meristem Family Office from January 2023 to December 2025, where she played a central role in shaping strategy, strengthening internal systems and improving service delivery. Her leadership ensured operational efficiency while maintaining the firm’s client-centred ethos.

Her appointment therefore represents continuity rather than disruption, an evolution built on institutional knowledge, strategic clarity and proven leadership capacity.

A Career Anchored in Governance and Strategy

Prior to joining Meristem, Ojenike held senior roles at Sankore Investments, including Vice President Family Office, Group Head, Legal and Compliance, and Head of Legacy Planning and Governance.

Across these positions, she led governance frameworks, compliance systems and legacy planning initiatives for high-net-worth families and institutional stakeholders.

Earlier in her career, she trained and practised at SimmonsCooper Partners, where she built a strong grounding in transaction advisory, litigation support and corporate legal services experience that continues to inform her structured, risk-aware leadership style.

In addition, she currently serves as a Governing Board Member of Dansol High School, contributing to educational governance and institutional oversight.

Communication as a Strategic Advantage

Beyond law and wealth management, Ojenike has distinguished herself as a strategic communications advocate, recognising communication as a core enabler of leadership effectiveness.

Through teaching, mentorship and content development, she equips professionals with tools to articulate ideas clearly, influence stakeholders responsibly and build authentic relationships.

She consistently emphasises that meaningful outcomes, whether in boardrooms or family councils are driven as much by clarity of expression as by technical competence.

Commitment to Social Impact and Future Generations

Ojenike’s professional life is closely aligned with social purpose. She is a founding member and governance lead of The Destiny Trust, a non-profit organisation committed to supporting disadvantaged children through education, care and empowerment.

For more than a decade, the initiative has focused on expanding access to opportunity and nurturing human potential, an extension of her belief that legacy must include societal contribution, not just private success.

Professional Credentials and Global Training

Her academic and professional credentials reinforce her multidisciplinary outlook. Ojenike is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a Chartered Governance Professional of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, and a Trusted Family Advisor certified by the Institute for Preparing Heirs. She has also received advanced training in Corporate Strategy from the University of London.

A Vision Beyond the Role

Reflecting on her work, Ojenike describes her purpose as helping Nigerians live meaningful, productive lives today while intentionally preserving the best of tomorrow. That philosophy  blending structure with empathy, strategy with service now defines her leadership direction at Meristem Family Office.

As she assumes her new role, stakeholders across the financial, legal and advisory ecosystem see her appointment as a strategic signal: that the future of wealth management lies not in silos, but in thoughtful integration, disciplined governance and human-centred leadership