Regulatory Frameworks For Surrogacy: Comparative Analysis Of The Nigerian Surrogacy Regulatory Commission Bill, UK Surrogacy Law, And International Best Practices

Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala MHR

House of Representatives

Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, born into the prestigious lineage of Otunba Dr. Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala on September 9, 1985, in Lagos, embodies a legacy of excellence and leadership. With an advanced degree in Service management from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, his academic prowess laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career.

Embarking on his professional journey within the dynamic spheres of the oil and gas industry, Hon. Akala’s exceptional leadership and strategic acumen swiftly elevated him to the position of Managing Director at TDB Oil and Gas Global Services, marking his indelible impact on the sector.

In April 2017, his unparalleled leadership qualities and dedication to public service were recognized through his historic appointment as the Caretaker Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, distinguishing him as the youngest individual ever to assume this role in the annals of Local Government Administration in Oyo State. His tenure was further elevated in 2018 when he became the 20th Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government.

Beyond his governmental achievements, Hon. Akala’s business acumen shines brightly as he serves on the Board of Directors for several private companies. A beacon of philanthropy, his initiatives have significantly contributed to societal betterment, including offering scholarships to technical university students, providing informal training to hundreds, and creating employment and empowerment avenues for the youth and women of his constituency. His fervent advocacy for the rights and welfare of women and the girl child underscores his commitment to social justice and equity.

With a profound connection to his roots and the unwavering support of his constituents, Hon. Akala’s political journey culminated in his election as the Federal Representative for the Ogbomoso North/South/Oriire Federal Constituency. His subsequent roles as Deputy Chairman of the adhoc Committee on Internal Security, Chairman of the House Committee on Youths, and Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, attest to his esteemed political savvy and visionary leadership within the 10th Assembly, His membership in various House Committees further exemplifies his broad influence and commitment to national development.

Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala remains a paragon of progressive leadership, dedicated to uplifting his community and shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.

Colin Rogerson

Head of Fertility Law, Mills & Reeve

Colin Rogerson is National Head of Fertility Law at Mills & Reeve.  Based in London, he is admitted as a Solicitor Advocate in England & Wales and is one of the UK’s leading specialist surrogacy, fertility and children lawyers.  Most of his legal practice relates to international surrogacy arrangements and he has established parentage under UK law for children born through surrogacy in the USA, Canada, Mexica, Colombia, Cyprus, India, Thailand, Nepal, Russia, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Kenya, the UK and Ireland.

He has undertaken cases at all levels of court including the Court of Appeal, UK Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights.  Colin is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and is the Secretary of the IAFL’s Assisted Reproductive Technology and Parentage Committee.  He is also a Fellow of Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys and associate member of the American Bar Association Section of Family Law, including being co-chair of the International Subcommittee of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee.  Through his involvement in the American Bar Association and IAFL, Colin is on the organising committee of the International Surrogacy Forum, which has so far met in Cambridge, UK and Copenhagen, Denmark.  The next Forum is due to take place in Cape Town, South Africa in March 2025.

Colin is ranked as a leading lawyer in the legal directories.  He is Ranked in Band 1 for Cross Border Children Matters in The Chambers Guide, a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 and is recommended in the Spears Guide and Tatler Advisory.  In 2024 he was shortlisted as a finalist for Family Lawyer of the Year in the Spears Awards.

Mr. Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN FCIMSA (UK)

Managing Partner, OMAPLEX Law Firm

Mr. Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN, FCIArb. (UK) is the Managing Partner of O. M. Atoyebi, S.A.N & Partners (OMAPLEX Law Firm). He is a resourceful lawyer and thought leader in the emerging areas of legal practice. As a Learned Silk, he holds the distinction of being the youngest lawyer in the history of Nigeria to be conferred with the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He has advised and completed numerous high-profile litigation, commercial arbitration and negotiations.

As a visionary leader and global thinker, he has steadily over the decades been best characterized as a diligent, resourceful, yet humble individual who is particularly revered for his highly analytical and pragmatic approach to solving legal problems, as well as an unwavering commitment to achieving his client’s goals. Indeed, his hard work and dedication to his clientele sets him apart.

The Learned Silk, as a writer, is widely published in both domestic and international academic journals and other internet research platforms. He is a member and fellow of distinguished professional bodies and institutes, to wit; Member, Nigerian Bar Association; Member, International Bar Association; Member, African Bar Association; Member, Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU); Fellow, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, inter alia.

Beyond his interests in law, the Learned Silk is an avid golfer, researcher, writer and a tech enthusiast.

Tara Smith

Associate Solicitor & Head of Fertility Team of Excellence
Irwin Mitchell LLP

Tara Smith is an Associate Solicitor in the Family team, based in Birmingham. She works in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on Fertility Law – this includes advising on the legal process required in Adoption and Surrogacy, both domestic and international.

She has a lot of experience with high net worth divorce/financial remedy matters and disputes regarding child arrangements. She gives advise to clients and guide them through very personal aspects of their lives, making sure they feel supported and informed.