President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, on August 22, 2024, following the retirement of the previous Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola.

Upon Senate confirmation, Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria.

She takes over from Justice Ariwoola, who took office on June 27, 2022, and retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

On Thursday, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced that Tinubu would swear in Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Justice Ariwoola for his dedicated public service.

Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun is set to assume one of Nigeria’s highest judicial positions following her recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to President Tinubu.

Born on May 7, 1958, in London, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her education at private primary schools before moving to Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970.

She started her legal studies at the University of Lagos in 1977, earning her LL.B in 1980. She then attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s legal career started in private practice, then transitioned to a Senior Magistrate Grade II role in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.

She was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996, and served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from November 1996 to May 1999, handling significant criminal cases.

On September 22, 2004, Justice Kekere-Ekun was promoted to the Court of Appeal.

From June 2011 to July 2013, she was a member of the Court of Appeal ICT Committee, where she helped improve the court’s technological advancements.