President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) during a ceremony held at the Aso Rock Villa’s Council Chambers on Monday.
This event followed her confirmation by the Senate last week.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is the 23rd individual to hold the position and is recognized as only the second woman to achieve this milestone in Nigeria’s judicial history.
A graduate of the University of Lagos and called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986, she has built a distinguished career in the judiciary, serving in various capacities, including as a justice of the Court of Appeal and a judge of the High Court in Lagos State.
Her extensive legal experience and commitment to upholding the rule of law were highlighted during the confirmation process.
Having served in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment is viewed as an advancement for gender representation within Nigeria’s legal framework.
As her first official duty, she is set to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of 87 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) today, marking a major moment in her new role and demonstrating her commitment to advancing the legal profession in the country.
