President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The ceremony will take place at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
President Tinubu praised Ariwoola’s tenure, stating, “President Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career.”
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for the position last week, following their 106th Meeting presided over by the outgoing CJN.
NJC spokesman Soji Oye explained, “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.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
She obtained her law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1981.
Her career spans private practice, magistracy, and judicial positions at various levels, including the High Court of Lagos State and the Court of Appeal.
Elevated to the Supreme Court in July 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun became the fifth female Justice of the apex court.
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Her appointment as CJN continues the tradition of selecting the most senior Justice to lead the Supreme Court.
Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been actively involved in legal education and international judicial associations.
She is currently the President of the International Association of Women Judges and a life Bencher.
As the judiciary prepares for this transition, the legal community and the nation at large anticipate Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership in her new role as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
