Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun Faces Public Criticism Over Attendance At Lagos Governor’s Dinner

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians, including prominent human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu, for attending a dinner hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in her honor. Critics argue that her presence at the event, held amid an ongoing case involving the governor at the Supreme Court, raises concerns over the perceived independence of the judiciary and potential conflicts of interest.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2024, attended the dinner held by Sanwo-Olu, prompting backlash over possible fraternization between the judiciary and political figures. Recent practices of politicians gifting judges with cars and houses have added to public worries about the judiciary’s independence, with many arguing that such interactions risk compromising the impartiality of the judicial system.

Odinkalu, a former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, voiced his concern on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I suspect someone will tell me Madam CJN’s memory is wonky. If not, then how did she forget that the governor of Lagos State is a litigant before her @SupremeCourtNg? How can she call younger judges to order when they fraternize in this manner, or she just plainly can’t see it?!”

The dinner, documented by Governor Sanwo-Olu on his social media account, included praise for Justice Kekere-Ekun’s achievements. Sanwo-Olu remarked, “As the second woman ever to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun embodies a source of pride for every Lagosian. Her exemplary leadership serves as a guiding light for women and young girls across Nigeria.”

However, responses from the public have largely echoed Odinkalu’s concerns. A user, Steve (@SteveStifler007), criticized the Chief Justice’s attendance as politically selective, stating, “A judge rubbing shoulders with politicians. Not only politicians, ONLY APC politicians.” Another user, Makati (@MakatiGboy), added, “This should not be happening at all. The CJN/judiciary is the bedrock of our democracy. Social events like this do not speak well.”

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, recently filed a Motion on Notice at the Supreme Court against Governor Sanwo-Olu, seeking an order to halt Lagos State’s monthly environmental restrictions on movement. Adegboruwa’s motion challenges the governor’s authority to restrict residents’ movement and seeks an injunction to prevent related arrests pending the Supreme Court’s final ruling.

The debate over Justice Kekere-Ekun’s dinner attendance has added to the growing discourse on the separation of powers and judicial impartiality in Nigeria, with many emphasising the importance of judicial independence in maintaining public trust.