Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to be inaugurated as Nigeria's new Chief Justice. As the second female CJN, her distinguished career includes significant rulings and advancements in women's representation in law, highlighting her role in shaping the Nigerian judiciary and promoting public interest litigation.
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is set to make history as she is sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Tinubu. She is only the second woman to hold this prestigious position, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Born on May 7, 1958, in Lagos State, Justice Kekere-Ekun has had a remarkable journey in the legal profession. Her early education took place at St. Mary’s School in Lagos and Queens College, Yaba. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Lagos in 1980. She was called to the Nigerian Bar a year later after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School. Furthering her education, she obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her career as a State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice from 1982 to 1989, where she gained extensive experience in legal practice, including drafting legal opinions and prosecuting cases. Her judicial career took off in 1996 when she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State. In 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, one of Nigeria's highest appellate courts.
Her significant contributions to the judiciary culminated in her appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in June 2013. Throughout her tenure, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been involved in several landmark judgments that have shaped Nigerian jurisprudence. Among these are the notable cases of Hope Uzodinma v. Emeka Ihedioha, where she declared Uzodinma the winner of the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election, and Adeleke v. Oyetola, affirming the election results in Osun State.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rulings have extended beyond state elections. In Center for Oil Pollution Watch v. NNPC, she expanded the scope of public interest litigation in Nigeria, allowing parties directly affected by developments to seek judicial redress.
In recognition of her exemplary contributions to the legal field, Justice Kekere-Ekun has received numerous awards and accolades, including national honors and recognitions for her role in promoting gender equality in the judiciary.
As she steps into her new role as Chief Justice, Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to continue advocating for women’s empowerment and improving the Nigerian judiciary. Her ascent marks a significant milestone for gender representation in the legal profession and sets a precedent for future generations of female lawyers in Nigeria.
