President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to inaugurate Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria today.
The swearing-in is scheduled for August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers.
Justice Kekere-Ekun will take over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday.
“The President will inaugurate Justice Ariwoola’s successor today, August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers,” said Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
President Tinubu also extended his congratulations to Justice Ariwoola, acknowledging his distinguished service in the judiciary. He praised Ariwoola for his contributions to the nation’s legal system.
In a statement signed by Ngelale, Tinubu commended Ariwoola for his illustrious public service career.
Justice Ariwoola was appointed as CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022, following the departure of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
Throughout his career, Justice Ariwoola served the judiciary in various capacities, including as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos, before his promotion to the Supreme Court in 2011.
“President Tinubu commends the distinguished jurist for his dedication to the nation, noting his leadership in the judiciary and his efforts to enhance Nigerian jurisprudence and uphold the law,” the statement added.
NJC’s Endorsement
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as Justice Ariwoola’s successor.
According to NJC spokesman Soji Oye, the recommendation followed the Council’s 106th Meeting, chaired by the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
“This is necessary as Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will officially step down as the Chief Justice of Nigeria next week, Thursday, August 22, 2024,” the statement read.
The Supreme Court currently operates with a full bench of 21 Justices. Traditionally, the next most senior Justice assumes the role of Chief Justice.
By her seniority, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench, positioning her to succeed Justice Ariwoola.
Key Information About Justice Kekere-Ekun
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stands as one of the prominent female Justices in Nigeria’s highest court.
Born on May 7, 1958, the 66-year-old Justice earned her law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She furthered her studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, obtaining an LL.M. in November 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal career in Lagos as a private practitioner from 1985 to 1989. She was appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989 and later became a Judge of the Lagos State High Court on July 19, 1996. She also served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.
Her elevation to the Court of Appeal came on September 22, 2004, where she served in various divisions and as presiding Justice of the Makurdi and Akure Divisions. She was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the fifth female Justice of the Court, taking her oath on Monday, July 8, 2013.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who will soon assume the role of CJN, has attended numerous courses and seminars locally and internationally, receiving several merit awards. She is a life Bencher and a member of the International Association of Women Judges, where she currently serves as President.
