Centurion Law Group, a globally renowned law firm, has sacked its chief executive officer, Zion Adeoye, after he was guilty of gross ‘personal’ and ‘professional’ misconduct following extensive investigation and hearing by the organisation’s disciplinary committee.

The firm disclosed this in a statement dated January 28, 2025, two months after Mr Adeoye was suspended last year November without initially disclosing the offences against him, which have now been disclosed as defamation, misappropriation funds, theft and others.

It stated, “After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.”

The statement added, “Mr Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues, extortion, intimidation, fraud, misuse of company funds, theft and misappropriation of funds, breach of fiduciary duty and mismanagement.”

Until his suspension last year, Mr Adeoye was the CEO of the CLG, which has a cross-section of clients from South Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Ghana, Gabon and Senegal, since 2024 after replacing NJ Ayuk who stepped down.

Speaking further, the firm reiterated that Mr Adeoye committed the offences at his own discretion. It noted that Mr Adeoye’s actions were not reflective of the organisation’s core values, acknowledging the impact of the situation on workers at the organisation.

The CLG said, “His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

“We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.”

The firm also noted that it had referred the matter to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa.

It said, “We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.”