Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

Although in an acting capacity, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Kekere-Ekun is the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.

Her position still requires confirmation from the Nigerian Senate to become the substantive CJN.

The National Judicial Council nominated Justice Kekere-Ekun on August 15 to replace the now retired Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Her swearing-in took place inside the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, and was administered by President Bola Tinubu.

The ceremony was witnessed by a distinguished audience, including other Justices of the nation’s apex Court, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the leadership of the House of Representatives represented by House Leader. Hon Julius Ihonbvere, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, and the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, were also present.

About Justice Kekere-Ekun

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, is the 5th female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She joined the apex court in 2013. She holds a law degree from the University of Lagos and obtained an LL.M. from the London School of Economic and Political Science. Kekere-Ekun began her legal career as a private lawyer in Lagos and later became a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.

She served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999. She attended numerous courses and seminars, received several merit awards, and is a life Bencher and member of the International Association of Women Judges. In October 2022, she was conferred the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). Kekere-Ekun is married with children.

Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.