President Bola Tinubu has sworn-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending her confirmation by the senate. By the swearing in ceremony she becomes the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second female to be elevated to the position.
Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office and signed the oath register at 11:39 am (local time) at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
Witnessing the ceremony were the President, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and members of the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association.
The NJC had on August 15, after its 106th meeting, recommended Kekere-Ekun to the President to replace the outgone CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Confirming the decision of Kekere-Ekun becoming the next CJN, the council said, “The NJC, at its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who bows out today, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu and for appointment as the CJN.”
She succeeds Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, and bowed out on Thursday, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. She is currently 66 old and is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028.
