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                [DUREN, DIETRICH, REYNOLDS & KOOGLER LETTERHEAD]



December 24, 1997


VIA EDGAR

Nationwide Life Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43216

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have prepared the Registration Statement filed with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Corporate Variable Universal Life Insurance
Policies to be sold by Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the "Company") and to
be issued and administered through Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4. In
connection therewith, we have examined the Articles of Incorporation and Code of
Regulations of the Company, minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors,
pertinent provisions of federal and Ohio laws, together with such other
documents as we have deemed relevant for the purposes of this opinion. Based on
the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

1. The Company is a stock life insurance company duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Ohio and duly authorized to issue and
sell life, accident and health insurance and annuity contracts.

2. Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4 has been properly created and is a validly
existing separate account pursuant to the laws of the State of Ohio.

3. The issuance and sale of the Corporate Variable Universal Life Insurance
Policies have been duly authorized by the Company. When issued and sold in the
manner stated in the prospectus constituting a part of the Registration
Statement, the policies will be legal and binding obligations of the Company in
accordance with their terms, except that clearance must be obtained, or the
policy must be approved, prior to the issuance thereof in certain jurisdictions.



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Nationwide Life Insurance Company
December 29, 1997
Page 2



We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Opinions" in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

DRUEN, DIETRICH, REYNOLDS & KOOGLER


/s/ Brian M. Bacon
Brian M. Bacon