President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The ceremony took place earlier today, with Justice Kekere-Ekun assuming her duties in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Senate.
Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oath of office at 11:38 a.m., after which she officially assumed her position in the Council Chambers, seated to the left of President Tinubu at exactly 11:45 a.m. Her appointment follows the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who stepped down from the role recently. The National Judicial Council (NJC) nominated and presented her to President Tinubu on August 15, paving the way for her elevation to CJN.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun becomes the second female jurist in Nigeria’s history to hold the esteemed position of Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun embarked on her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980. After completing her studies at the Nigeria Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics in November 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her judicial career as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary and was later elevated to the position of State High Court Judge. She also served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from November 1996 to May 1999. Her contributions to the judiciary were recognized in 2004 when she was appointed to the Court of Appeal.
