President Tinubu Swears In Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending Senate approval. The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers in the State House in Abuja following the President’s return from a work visit to France.
Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. President Tinubu commended Ariwoola for his “successful public service career” and his contributions to the judiciary and the nation.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun as Ariwoola’s successor during its 106th meeting. As the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench, Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to assume the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria upon Senate confirmation.
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun has had a distinguished career, serving as a private lawyer, Senior Magistrate, High Court Judge, and Justice of the Court of Appeal before her elevation to the Supreme Court in 2013. She is a life Bencher and President of the International Association of Women Judges.
With the Supreme Court currently having its full complement of 21 Justices, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice highlights her prominent role as one of the top female jurists in the country. She is married with children and has received numerous merit awards for her contributions to the legal profession.
