BREAKING: Justice Kekere-Ekun Sworn-in As CJN

BREAKING: Justice Kekere-Ekun Sworn-in As CJN

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was recently sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. She assumed her duties in an acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.

The swearing-in ceremony took place around 11:38 am, making her the second female Justice to hold this prestigious position.

Following the brief ceremony, Justice Kekere-Ekun took her designated seat in the Council Chambers on the left side of the President.

This temporary role as acting Chief Justice comes as a result of the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council took place on August 15.

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun now follows in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as the second female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Notable attendees at the event included Supreme Court Justices, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by Prof Julius Ihonbvere.

Also in attendance were the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Additionally, several high-ranking government officials were present, including: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun embarked on her legal career at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her first law degree in 1980.

She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School. Furthering her education, she was awarded a Master of Law from the London School of Economics in November 1983.

Her judicial career began as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary, eventually rising to the position of State High Court Judge.

She also served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja from November 1996 to May 1999.

In recognition of her significant contributions to the judiciary, Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2004.