Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the most senior justice of the Supreme Court, is set to be appointed as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following the retirement of the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on August 22, 2024.
If appointed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will be only the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, succeeding Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served from 2012 to 2014.
At 66 years old, Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to serve a term of up to four years, compared to the average two-year tenure of her predecessors.
Her appointment will also place her at the helm of the National Judicial Council (NJC), which oversees the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges across Nigeria.
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun 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 in July 1981. After several years in private practice, she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate in Lagos State in 1989, and later as a High Court Judge in 1996. She served as the chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Lagos from 1996 to 1999.
Elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2004, Justice Kekere-Ekun served in various divisions and was the presiding justice of the Makurdi and Aku Divisions. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in July 2013 as its fifth female justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s anticipated appointment comes at a time when the judiciary is seeking stability, following the controversial departures of previous CJNs.
Her appointment will be subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, following a nomination by the President based on the recommendation of the NJC.
The CJN serves until the mandatory retirement age of 70 or can be removed through impeachment by the Senate.
