Tinubu swears in Kekere-Ekun as acting Chief Justice
President Bola Tinubu officially swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, following Tinubu’s return from a work visit to France.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment is pending Senate approval, and she steps into the role following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 on August 22, 2024.
In his address during the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ability to lead the judiciary with integrity and dedication.
“Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a beacon of hope, not only for the judiciary but also for young women across Nigeria.
Her exemplary career and commitment to justice stand as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and integrity,” Tinubu stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is now the second woman to hold the position of CJN, following in the footsteps of Mariam Aloma Mukhtar.
The 66-year-old jurist brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various capacities throughout her distinguished career. Born on May 7, 1958, she obtained 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, where she earned an LL.M. in 1983.
READ ALSO: Meet Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Nigeria’s next Chief Justice, second female CJN
Reflecting on her journey, Justice Kekere-Ekun remarked, “It is a profound honour to serve my country in this capacity. I am committed to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that our judiciary remains independent and fair.”
Her legal career began in Lagos, where she worked as a private lawyer before joining the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989. She was later appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996, where she served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Ikeja.
Her exemplary service led to her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2004, where she presided over various divisions, including Makurdi and Akure. In 2013, she was appointed as the fifth female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s tenure as Acting CJN comes after a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC), which acknowledged her as the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench.
The NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye, confirmed this development, stating, “Justice Kekere-Ekun was recommended based on her seniority and distinguished service. We are confident that she will continue to uphold the standards of the judiciary.”
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu also took the opportunity to commend the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his service to the nation.
“Justice Ariwoola’s leadership has been marked by dedication and a deep commitment to enriching Nigerian jurisprudence. His efforts in strengthening the legal framework of our country are deeply appreciated,” Tinubu said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also a life Bencher and the current President of the International Association of Women Judges, is expected to bring her vast experience and commitment to her new role as the head of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Her confirmation by the Senate will solidify her position as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of justice in national development.
“The judiciary must remain steadfast in its duty to uphold the rule of law. It is through justice that we can build a society where fairness and equality are the cornerstones of our national life,” she affirmed.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is married and has children. Her appointment is widely seen as a positive step towards greater representation of women in the highest echelons of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
