Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Becomes Nigeria’s Second Female Chief Justice

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn-in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), making her the 23rd person to hold the position and the second woman in Nigeria’s history to do so.

She was sworn in today by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

However, she will serve in an acting capacity until her appointment is confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment follows the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Her nomination was made by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, 2024.

A brief ceremony took place where she took her oath, and afterward, she assumed her seat in the Council Chambers beside the President.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Supreme Court Justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other high-ranking officials.

Justice Kekere-Ekun has an extensive legal career. Born in London in 1958, she studied law at the University of Lagos and later earned a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics.

She began her judicial career as a Senior Magistrate in Lagos and worked her way up to becoming a State High Court Judge.

In 2004, she was appointed to the Court of Appeal, solidifying her place in Nigeria’s legal landscape.