Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). She is set to serve in an acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.

Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oaths at approximately 11:38 AM in the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja. She assumed her position in the Council Chambers on the left-hand side of the President at exactly 11:45 AM.

Her appointment comes following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Justice Kekere-Ekun was nominated and presented to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, 2024.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is notably the second Nigerian female jurist to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.

The event was attended by other Justices of the nation’s apex Court, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by House Leader, Hon Julius Ihonbvere. Additionally, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu was present, along with several dignitaries including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.