Nigerian Senate Confirms Justice Kekere-Ekun as New Chief Justice of the Nation

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This confirmation followed her acting tenure which began on August 22, 2024, after the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced her confirmation during a plenary session, emphasizing that her leadership would ensure "adequate justice under the leadership of Mrs. Kekere-Ekun as the CJN."

Justice Kekere-Ekun's journey to this esteemed position is marked by a distinguished career in the judiciary. Born on May 7, 1958, she obtained her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980 and an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.

Her judicial career began as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989, and she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in July 1996. She served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999.

Her elevation continued as she became a Justice of the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004, and later a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on June 8, 2013. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various committees and has attended numerous courses and seminars both within and outside Nigeria, including the 34th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime in 2016.

During her confirmation hearing, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to leverage technology for the quick dispensation of justice and to maintain the independence of the judiciary. She also vowed to uphold integrity and discipline within the judiciary, collaborating with the National Assembly and Executive to reform laws that promote judicial efficiency.

The confirmation process was thorough, involving an exhaustive interview session where she was accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Justices. The Senate's decision was pursuant to section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which empowers the president to appoint the CJN on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded her nomination to the Senate, highlighting her qualifications and experience.

Justice Kekere-Ekun's appointment marks a pivotal milestone as she becomes the fifth and youngest female to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria. Her extensive background and commitment to judicial reforms are expected to bring positive changes to Nigeria's judicial system.