September 25, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Her screening and confirmation followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Kekere-Ekun was confirmed substantive CJN on Wednesday afternoon after hours of drilling and questioning by Senators across political party lines.
Responding to questions bordering on plans to turn the judiciary around during her tenure, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach. She assured that her tenure as CJN would ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence and as well seek better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Satisfied with the performance of the CJN during the questions and answers session, the Senators unanimously approved her appointment after Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the approval to voice vote.
President Bola Tinubu had on August 23, sworn in Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in an acting capacity following the statutory retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The 66-year-old was recommended as CJN by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the approval of President Tinubu on August 15, 2024, as the 23rd and second female CJN.
President Tinubu, on Tuesday, asked the Senate to confirm Justice Kekere-Ekun as the substantive CJN.
“Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended, which gives the power to the president to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
“While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Senate, please, accept distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards,” the President said in a letter read Tuesday at plenary by Senate President Akpabio.
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun obtained her LL.B in 1980 from the University of Lagos and LL.M from the London School of Economic and Political Science in November 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July 1981.
From 1985 to 1989, Justice Kekere-Ekun was in private practice and was later appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II, Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996, and served as Chairman Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999.
She was elevated to the Court of Appeal on 22nd September 2004, where she served in various Divisions of the Court and as presiding Justice of two Divisions of the Court (Makurdi & Akure).
Justice Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5th female Justice of the Court and was sworn in on Monday, 8 July 2013.
A life Bencher, Member of the International Association of Women Judges, Justice Kekere-Ekun has attended numerous courses and seminars within and outside Nigeria and also received several merit awards.
Over the years, she has participated in various professional development courses and seminars both within and outside Nigeria. Notable among these are the Case Management and Court Administration Training Workshop organised by the National Centre for State Courts in June 2001, an ICT Training Course on Information Technology Infrastructure Library held in Dubai, UAE in July 2012, and the 34th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime at Cambridge University, UK, in September 2016.
Kekere-Ekun played a pivotal role as the lead judge in one of the most controversial judgments in Nigeria’s post-independence history. In January 2020, she delivered the judgment in the case that declared Hope Uzodinma as the lawful governor of Imo State. The decision was based on the claim that results from 388 polling units, where Uzodinma was leading, had not been included in the original count.
She is happily married with children.
