Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Next Chief Justice of Nigeria

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been recommended by the National Judicial Council as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria. This news comes as the current Chief Justice, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, prepares to retire on August 22, 2024.

If President Bola Tinubu approves the recommendation, Justice Kekere-Ekun will make history as Nigeria’s second female Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of Justice Mariam Mukhtar.

Born in London on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her LL.B degree from the University of Lagos in 1980 and went on to attend the London School of Economics for her LL.M. She started her career in private practice before becoming a Senior Magistrate in the Lagos State Judiciary.

She was appointed a judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996 and later served on the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal. In 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she has presided over significant cases.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is noted for delivering some of the most pivotal judgments in Nigeria, including a controversial decision that declared Hope Uzodinma as the lawful governor of Imo State.

Aside from her judicial responsibilities, she is also a prominent member of the International Association of Women Judges, where she advocates for gender equality in the legal field.