Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to become the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) based on her seniority and the current judicial hierarchy. She will take over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, whose term ends on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
A valedictory service in honor of Justice Ariwoola has been scheduled for August, marking his departure from the office he has held since June 27, 2022.
If Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Ariwoola as anticipated, she will be only the second female justice to assume the role, following Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.
At 66 years old, Justice Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Supreme Court justice after Ariwoola. With 11 years of service on the apex court, she is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the position. Her appointment would also place her at the helm of the National Judicial Council (NJC), responsible for overseeing the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges across Nigeria.
Her Profile
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980 and her LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
Her judicial career began in private practice from 1985 to 1989, after which she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos State. In July 1996, she became a judge of the High Court of Lagos State and later served as chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Lagos.
Elevated to the Court of Appeal in September 2004, she served in various Divisions and as the presiding justice of the Makurdi and Aku Divisions. On July 8, 2013, she was sworn in as the fifth female justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has participated in numerous courses and seminars globally and has received several merit awards. She is also a life Bencher and a prominent member and past president of the International Association of Women Judges.
