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As the week draws to a close, President Bola Tinubu will officiate the investiture of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the nation’s top jurist, formally installing her as the Chief Justice of Nigeria in a ceremony slated for this Friday.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, broke the news on Thursday, revealing that the stage is set for Justice Kekere-Ekun’s historic inauguration as Chief Justice.
According to Ngelale, the State House’s Council Chambers in Abuja will play host to the momentous occasion, as President Tinubu administers the oath of office to Justice Kekere-Ekun in the nation’s capital.
As Justice Olukayode Ariwoola bowed out on Thursday, having completed the requisite 70 years of age, Justice Kekere-Ekun is primed to take over. This transition represents a crucial moment in the nation’s judicial history, introducing a fresh chapter of leadership.
The President also congratulated Ariwoola, whose stint in the judiciary he described as a “successful public service career,” commending him for his services to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.”
Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria on September 21, 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had last week recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as Ariwoola’s successor.
NJC spokesman, Soji Oye, who disclosed this in a statement, had said the decision was taken following the Council’s 106th Meeting presided over by the CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
“This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, 22 August 2024,” the statement read.
The Supreme Court currently has the full The Supreme Court is now complete with its full roster of 21 Justices. Following the longstanding practice of the nation’s highest court, the next in seniority is poised to take the lead.
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According to the established hierarchy, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stands as the most senior member of the bench, positioning her as the natural successor to Justice Ariwoola.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, currently one of the most prominent female jurists in the nation’s judiciary, was born on May 7, 1958. Her legal career is marked by notable milestones that pronounces her contributions to the legal sphere.
Her journey began with a law degree from the University of Lagos, followed by her call to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She furthered her education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she obtained her LL.M. in November 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s legal practice commenced in Lagos in 1985, where she worked in the private sector for four years. Her transition into the judiciary was marked by her appointment as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
This role was a precursor to her appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996, where she also served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.
Her judicial expertise was further recognized with her elevation to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004. During her time there, she served in various divisions and as the presiding Justice of the Makurdi and Akure divisions.
On July 8, 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun achieved a significant milestone in her career when she was sworn in as the 5th female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Throughout her illustrious career, she has participated in numerous courses and seminars, both within Nigeria and internationally, and has been honored with several merit awards.
In addition to her judicial duties, she is a life Bencher and an active member of the International Association of Women Judges, currently serving as its President. Justice Kekere-Ekun is married and has children, maintaining a balance between her professional and personal life.
