More About Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Poised To Become Nigeria’s Next Chief Justice As Ariwoola Retires
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is expected to become Nigeria’s next Chief Justice following the imminent retirement of the current Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on August 22, 2024.
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun has had a distinguished career in the judiciary. A graduate of the University of Lagos, where she earned her LL.B in 1980, she went on to obtain an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her judicial career in private practice before transitioning to public service as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos State in December 1989. Her rise in the judiciary was marked by several key appointments, including her elevation to High Court Judge in Lagos State in 1996. She also served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal from November 1996 to May 1999.
Her judicial acumen led to her appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2004, and she ascended to the Supreme Court in 2013. With the retirement of Justice Ariwoola, who served two years as CJN, the 66-year-old Justice Kekere-Ekun is positioned to potentially serve up to four years in the role.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been involved in several landmark cases, including the controversial 2020 ruling that removed Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha and declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner, despite initially finishing fourth in the election.
Beyond her courtroom duties, Justice Kekere-Ekun has contributed to the judiciary through various roles, including serving on the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and chairing the Public Complaints and Training Committee under the UNODC project on strengthening judicial integrity in Lagos State.
Her excellence in the legal field has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Merit Awards from the Lagos State Judiciary in 2003 and 2013 and the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum in 2012 and 2014. She is a Life Bencher of the Body of Benchers and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, among other notable affiliations.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Akin Kekere-Ekun, and they have three children, all of whom are accomplished professionals in their respective fields. As she prepares to assume the role of Chief Justice, her extensive experience and commitment to the rule of law are expected to shape the future of Nigeria’s judiciary.
