In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) today, August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers.
This historic event follows the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who stepped down on Thursday after a distinguished career in the judiciary.
According to President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, “Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.”
This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the judiciary, as Justice Kekere-Ekun takes the helm as the new CJN.
President Tinubu commended Justice Ariwoola for his “successful public service career” and thanked him for his dedicated services to the nation. Ariwoola had served as CJN since October 2022 and had previously served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in various divisions, including Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that Justice Ariwoola’s retirement marked the end of an era, and the beginning of a new chapter in the judiciary.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law,” Ngelale said.
As Justice Kekere-Ekun prepares to take the oath of office, expectations are high that her leadership will shape the future of the Nigerian justice system. Her swearing-in ceremony marks a significant moment in the country’s history, and is seen as a major milestone in the judiciary.
In light of this this, here are four things you didn’t know about her:
1. Early Life and Family Background
Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, the 5th and youngest female appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, was born on 7th May 1958 in London, United Kingdom. Her parents, both from Lagos State, Nigeria, were prominent figures in their respective fields. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a dedicated legal practitioner, politician, and author. He served as Crown Counsel and Town Clerk of Lagos City Council before becoming a Senator in 1983, his tenure cut short by a military coup. He passed away on 31st March 2019 at the age of 99. Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), a devout Christian and former public health nurse, worked in Lagos State’s civil service before retiring at 60. Both parents remarried when Kudirat was young, and she grew up in a polygamous home with a strict and disciplined upbringing.
2. Education
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun received quality education from an early age. She attended private primary schools before joining Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970. She studied Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, from 1977 to 1980, earning her LL.B. She completed her legal training at the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981. Following her National Youth Service at the Ministry of Justice in Benin City, she obtained a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1983.
3. Judicial Career
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her judicial career as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989, appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary. She was elevated to the High Court of Lagos State in July 1996. In September 2004, she moved to the Court of Appeal, serving in various divisions and becoming the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division. She was appointed to the Supreme Court on 8th July 2013. Her contributions include chairing the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal and serving on various committees related to judicial integrity and reform.
In 2020, Kekere-Ekun was on the seven-member panel that sacked Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha and declared that the winning candidate was Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who originally came fourth in the election results. Ihedioha described the verdict as “unfair, unjust and does not reflect the voting that took place during the elections,” but said he would respect the judgement.
4. Awards and Personal Life
Justice Kekere-Ekun has received numerous awards, including the Lagos State Judiciary Merit Awards and the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum. She is affiliated with various professional groups such as the National Association of Women Judges and the Body of Benchers. She has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983, and they have three children who are all graduates. Her personal guiding principles include self-examination, embodying change, and maintaining high standards in all endeavours.