President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has today sworn-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Kekere-Ekun was sworn in at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja on August 22, 2024, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola yesterday.
The Senate’s confirmation of Kekere-Ekun’s appointment would result in her becoming the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Kekere-Ekun succeeds retired Justice Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022 and retired from office after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
Ariwoola had disclosed that he signed off on the new rules following reviews by his successor, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and brother justices of the apex court, namely, Justice Inyang Okoro, Justice Moronkeji Helen Ogunwumiju, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, and Yakubu C. Maikyau, SAN.
On Thursday, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed that Tinubu would swear-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Justice Ariwoola for his successful public service.
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun was selected by the National Judicial Council to occupy one of Nigeria’s most prestigious judicial positions after being recommended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was born on May 7, 1958 in London, United Kingdom, has had an impressive career. She started out her education at private primary schools before enrolling at Queen’s College, Lagos in 1970.
In 1977, she commenced her legal education at the University of Lagos, and in 1980, she completed her LL.B degree. The following year, she attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
Justice Kekere-Ekun started her legal career in private practice from 1985 to 1989, then became a Senior Magistrate Grade II at the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
On July 19, 1996, she was appointed to the High Court of Lagos State as a judge, and her ascension in the judiciary continued.
From November 1996 to May 1999, she was the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, where she tackled some of the most challenging criminal cases of the time.
Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Court of Appeal on September 22nd, 2004.
Between June 2011 and July 2013, she served as a member of the Court of Appeal ICT Committee, which helped enhance the court’s technological capabilities.
Read More
