The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), following the upcoming retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on August 22. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination is a testament to her illustrious career and contributions to the Nigerian judiciary. Here are 12 things you may not know about her:
Full Name: Although popularly known as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, her full name is Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Birthplace: She was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, making her a dual citizen by birth.
Education: Justice Kekere-Ekun obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Lagos in 1980. She was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
Advanced Studies: She furthered her education at the prestigious London School of Economics, where she earned a master’s degree in law in November 1983.
Judicial Career: Her judicial journey began in the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate II, where she demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, eventually rising to the position of a State High Court Judge.
Court of Appeal Appointment: In 2004, she was appointed to the Court of Appeal, where she served with distinction, handling numerous high-profile cases that contributed to shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Supreme Court Justice: Justice Kekere-Ekun’s career reached new heights in July 2013 when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where she has played a pivotal role in several landmark judgments.
National Honour: In recognition of her outstanding service, former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on her the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.
Influential Judgments: Throughout her tenure on the bench, she has delivered judgments that have significantly impacted Nigerian jurisprudence, including key decisions in electoral and constitutional matters.
Family Background: Justice Kekere-Ekun hails from a prominent legal family. Her father, Justice Babatunde Kekere-Ekun, was also a respected judge in Nigeria, known for his integrity and dedication to justice.
Advocate for Women’s Rights: She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the judiciary, often using her platform to mentor and inspire young female lawyers.
Legacy of Service: As she is set to become the next Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the judiciary, building on her decades of service and commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
