Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun is Nigeria’s second female Chief Justice, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on August 22, 2024. Born in 1961, she hails from Lagos State and has built a distinguished career in law.
Academic Qualifications
Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos in 1983. She furthered her education at the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the bar in 1984. Her academic journey also includes a Master of Laws degree from the University of Lagos, focusing on the intricacies of law and justice.
Judicial Career
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary, marked by several notable achievements:
Judicial Appointments
– Appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in July 1996
– Elevated as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004
– Served as the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal and also as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division
– Appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on June 8, 2013, becoming the 5th and youngest female to hold this position
Professional Contributions
– Served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999
– Served as a member of the Court of Appeal ICT Committee from June 2011 to July 2013, contributing to enhancing the court’s technological capabilities
– Delivered the controversial judgment in January 2020 that declared Hope Uzodinma as the lawful governor of Imo State
Awards and Recognitions
– Recipient of the Merit Awards of the Lagos State Judiciary in December 2003 and September 2013
– Awarded the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards by the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum in August 2012 and 2014
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s extensive experience, including serving in various divisions of the Court of Appeal and her current position on the Supreme Court, has positioned her well to take on the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria. Her achievements demonstrate her commitment to justice, fairness, and the advancement of the judiciary in Nigeria.
CJN Nomination Process
The National Judicial Council recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 15, 2024, to ensure a seamless transition following Ariwoola’s retirement. This recommendation came after a two-day meeting of the NJC, which emphasized the need for stability in the judiciary during a time of significant challenges, including public confidence issues stemming from conflicting court decisions and delays in justice delivery.
Expectations and Challenges
As she prepares to assume her new role, stakeholders have expressed high expectations for Justice Kekere-Ekun. Legal experts and civil society groups are urging her to prioritize judicial reforms, enhance the integrity of the judiciary, and address the ongoing crisis of confidence among the public regarding the judicial system. Her leadership is seen as crucial in restoring faith in the judiciary, which has faced scrutiny over perceived inefficiencies and inconsistencies in rulings.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment is historic, not only as a milestone for gender representation in the judiciary but also as a pivotal moment for the Nigerian legal system. Her extensive experience and academic background position her to tackle the challenges ahead and to lead the judiciary towards a more transparent and efficient future.
