Who is Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun? Meet the New Chief Justice of Nigeria

Justice Kekere-Ekun

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Friday, made history as Nigeria’s Chief Justice, marking her as the second woman ever to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment follows the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and approval from President Bola Tinubu, as she took the oath of office and signed the oath register at 11.40 am at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja on Friday.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascent to this role is not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for gender representation in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Early Life and Education

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, has built an impressive legal career. Her academic journey began at the University of Lagos, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1980. She further honed her legal expertise by attending the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981. Justice Kekere-Ekun continued her education at the London School of Economics, obtaining a master’s degree in Law in 1983.

Legal Career and Judicial Appointments

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s legal career began in private practice, but she soon transitioned to the judiciary. In 1989, she joined the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate. Her legal acumen and dedication led to her appointment as a High Court Judge in Lagos State in 1996. One of her notable roles during this period was chairing the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, a testament to her capacity to handle complex and sensitive cases.

Her judicial career took a significant turn in 2004 when she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. Over the years, she served in various capacities, including as the presiding justice of the Makurdi and Akure Divisions of the Appellate Court. In July 2013, she achieved another milestone by becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, making her the fifth woman to serve on the country’s highest court​.

Landmark Cases and Judicial Impact

Justice Kekere-Ekun has been involved in numerous landmark cases during her tenure. One of the most controversial was the 2020 Imo State governorship election case. As part of a seven-member Supreme Court panel, she participated in the ruling that removed Governor Emeka Ihedioha from office and declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner. This decision sparked widespread debate and underscored her role in critical judicial decisions that shape Nigeria’s political landscape.

Contributions and Recognition

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the judiciary have been widely recognised. She has received several awards, including the Merit Award of the Lagos State Judiciary and the Distinguished Trailblazer Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum. In 2022, she was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, reflecting her significant impact on the legal profession​.

Professional Affiliations and Personal Life

Beyond her judicial duties, Justice Kekere-Ekun is active in various professional associations. She is a member of the National Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, among others. Her commitment to legal education and ethics is further evidenced by her involvement in drafting the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees in Nigeria.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Akin Kekere-Ekun, and they have three children. Her personal and professional life embodies a commitment to justice, integrity, and the advancement of the rule of law in Nigeria.

A Historic Appointment

As Justice Kekere-Ekun assumes the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria, she steps into a position that will test her leadership and judicial philosophy. Her experience, both on and off the bench, positions her well to navigate the challenges ahead. Her appointment not only breaks barriers for women in Nigeria but also brings hope for a judiciary committed to fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating that dedication, hard work, and commitment to justice can pave the way for groundbreaking achievements.

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