President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The ceremony took place on Friday at the State House in Abuja, marking a significant moment in the nation’s judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s appointment makes her the second woman to ever hold the position of CJN in Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Supreme Court justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and members of the House of Representatives led by Julius Ihonbvere. Also present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former CJN Olukayode Ariwoola, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Justice Kekere-Ekun assumes the role of acting CJN as the most senior justice of the Supreme Court, following the retirement of her predecessor, Olukayode Ariwoola, who stepped down on August 22 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
According to constitutional provisions, Kekere-Ekun’s position as acting CJN is temporary. The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended her appointment, but for her to continue in a substantive capacity, she must be confirmed by the Senate within three months, as per Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. The NJC made its recommendation during its 106th meeting on August 15, 2024, presided over by the outgoing CJN, Ariwoola.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun has built an impressive legal career. After obtaining her law degree from the University of Lagos in 1980, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981. She furthered her education with a Master of Law degree from the London School of Economics in 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s career in the judiciary is marked by steady progression through the ranks. She began as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary and quickly advanced to become a State High Court Judge. Her judicial expertise was further recognized when she served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from 1996 to 1999. In 2004, her continued contributions to the legal field led to her appointment to the Court of Appeal, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as acting CJN highlights her extensive experience and dedication to justice, positioning her as a key figure in shaping the future of Nigeria’s judiciary during a crucial period of transition.