Odunayo Oyasiji Elected Fellow Of The IAPP

In a landmark recognition of his extensive contributions to privacy law and information governance, Nigerian-born attorney Odunayo Oyasiji has been elected on July 22, 2025, as a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), the world’s largest and most influential community of professionals in the fields of data protection […]

In a landmark recognition of his extensive contributions to privacy law and information governance, Nigerian-born attorney Odunayo Oyasiji has been elected on July 22, 2025, as a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), the world’s largest and most influential community of professionals in the fields of data protection and privacy.

This achievement positions Oyasiji among the top echelon of privacy professionals globally, a distinction awarded to fewer than 1% of IAPP-certified members. It affirms his expert-level mastery across multiple privacy regimes and reflects his sustained leadership in the field over the past decade. The IAPP fellowship confers this prestigious distinction in acknowledgment of exceptional mastery in privacy law, ethical leadership, and strategic information governance.

From Nigeria to the Global Privacy Stage

Oyasiji’s journey is as international as it is impactful. A multi-jurisdictional lawyer licensed in Nigeria, New York, and Alberta, his legal career has spanned several continents and jurisdictions. With foundational legal training from the University of Ilorin (LL.B.) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Commercial Law from the University of Birmingham, he has combined academic rigor with practical expertise to address some of the most pressing privacy and regulatory issues of the digital era.

His multidisciplinary background in commercial law, technology transactions, and cross-border data regulation has made him a sought-after expert in areas where data privacy intersects with global commerce.

A Track Record of Impact

Currently serving as Senior Privacy Advisor for the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Technology and Innovation, Oyasiji plays a critical role in shaping how public-sector technology projects comply with privacy laws. He has led privacy impact assessments (PIAs), advised on AI strategy development, and reviewed cloud-based agreements with major vendors. His strategic input helps define privacy practices for digital transformation initiatives at a provincial level.

In addition to his public-sector work, he serves as Legal Counsel at Viewpoint Legal, where he advises clients on a wide range of commercial contracts.

Earlier in his career, he held significant roles in Nigeria, including as Senior Associate at Crowncourt Attorneys and Legal Counsel for First City Monument Bank, where he contributed to major legal operations involving syndicated loans, software licensing, and regulatory compliance. He also represented the Central Bank of Nigeria in high-stakes litigation at the Court of Appeal.

A Multi-Certified Privacy Authority

Oyasiji’s path to FIP status includes a rare trifecta of IAPP certifications: CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPP/C and CIPM, denoting advanced knowledge of U.S., European (GDPR), and Canadian privacy laws respectively. These four certifications are a testament to his international outlook and his capacity to serve as a bridge across regulatory landscapes.

With this latest designation, he now joins an elite group recognized not only for technical proficiency but also for leadership, mentorship, and thought leadership in the privacy community. According to IAPP criteria, the FIP is reserved for those who have demonstrated deep experience and consistent contributions over an extended period, a profile that Oyasiji fits impeccably.

Elevating African Voices in Global Privacy Discourse

Oyasiji’s elevation to IAPP Fellowship carries broader significance. In an industry where African voices have historically been underrepresented in global conversations about data rights, cybersecurity, and cross-border data transfers, his recognition signals a shift. It underscores the emergence of African professionals as key contributors to global regulatory thought and practical enforcement.

As more African countries adopt or revise data protection frameworks, following Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, Kenya’s Data Protection Act, and South Africa’s POPIA, the need for privacy professionals with both global expertise and local insight has become increasingly urgent. Oyasiji stands at this intersection, uniquely equipped to support international compliance strategies that are sensitive to both legal nuances and contextual realities across Africa.

Thought Leadership and Mentorship

Beyond practice, Oyasiji has contributed to the development of legal discourse. He was formerly a Legal Correspondent for BusinessDay Newspaper, where he curated and authored a legal column, publishing over 60 articles within six months. His writing focused on demystifying complex legal topics for public understanding, further evidence of his commitment to public education and legal literacy.

He has also published academic work on trade law, including a paper on anti-dumping measures and safeguards in international commerce in the Journal of Commercial Law.

Additionally, he has mentored young lawyers and interns, helping to build capacity within the legal ecosystem, a responsibility he continues to carry with diligence.

A Recognition with Broad Implications

The IAPP Fellowship marks a significant milestone, not just in Oyasiji’s career, but in the maturation of global data privacy leadership. It serves as a benchmark for what privacy professionals can aspire to, especially those in jurisdictions still developing their regulatory frameworks. His achievement also reflects a growing awareness that effective privacy governance is not bound by geography but is instead a shared, global responsibility.

With data privacy increasingly at the core of business strategy, cybersecurity, and digital trust, professionals like Odunayo Oyasiji are setting new standards for excellence, integrity, and strategic foresight. His recognition by the IAPP confirms what his body of work already made evident, he is among the leading figures in the future of global privacy law.