Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu, pending Senate approval. Her appointment followed the President’s return to Abuja after a brief work visit to France.
President Tinubu, who cut short his trip to France, officiated the swearing-in ceremony at the Council Chambers in the State House on Friday morning. Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed his congratulations to Justice Ariwoola, commending his “successful public service career” and his contributions to the Nigerian judiciary. The President acknowledged Ariwoola’s leadership and his efforts in strengthening the legal system.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had previously recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun as the successor to Justice Ariwoola during their 106th meeting, which was presided over by the outgoing CJN. Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench, was deemed the rightful successor by the Council.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, aged 66, is one of the top female Justices in the nation’s apex court. She earned her law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. After furthering her education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, she began her legal career in Lagos, eventually rising to the positions of Judge of the High Court of Lagos State, Court of Appeal Justice, and later Supreme Court Justice.
The incoming CJN has a distinguished career, having attended numerous courses and seminars globally, and has received several merit awards. She is also a life Bencher and the current President of the International Association of Women Judges. Justice Kekere-Ekun is married with children.
