President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria in a ceremony held at the State House Council Chambers on Friday.
According to FIJ, Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday.
Her appointment was recommended by the National Judicial Council during its 106th meeting on August 15, which the outgoing Chief Justice, Ariwoola, chaired. As per tradition, the NJC nominates the most senior justice of the Supreme Court for the CJN role.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in July 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the fifth woman to serve on the bench and will lead Nigeria’s judiciary until 2028 when she will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Her appointment marks the second time a female justice has ascended to the role of Chief Justice, following Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
In his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu highlighted Kekere-Ekun’s wealth of experience and commitment to justice.
“Justice Kekere-Ekun has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the rule of law and fairness. Her appointment is a testament to her years of distinguished service,” Tinubu stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s tenure on the Supreme Court has not been without controversy. In 2020, she delivered a notable ruling that confirmed Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, a decision that was based on the inclusion of results from 388 polling units initially excluded from the election count.
This ruling sparked significant debate and remains a point of contention in Nigerian judicial circles.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, in her acceptance speech, pledged to uphold the principles of justice and integrity.
“I am committed to leading our judiciary with transparency, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Nigeria,” she said.
With her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to steer the judiciary through a crucial period in Nigeria’s legal landscape.
