The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), following the upcoming retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on August 22. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination is a testament to her illustrious career and contributions to the Nigerian judiciary. Here are 12 things you may not know about her:
- Full Name: Although popularly known as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, her full name is Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
2. Birthplace: She was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, making her a dual citizen by birth.
3. Education: Justice Kekere-Ekun obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Lagos in 1980. She was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
4. Advanced Studies: She furthered her education at the prestigious London School of Economics, where she earned a master’s degree in law in November 1983.
5. Judicial Career: Her judicial journey began in the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate II, where she demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, eventually rising to the position of a State High Court Judge.
6. Court of Appeal Appointment: In 2004, she was appointed to the Court of Appeal, where she served with distinction, handling numerous high-profile cases that contributed to shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape.
7. Supreme Court Justice: Justice Kekere-Ekun’s career reached new heights in July 2013 when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where she has played a pivotal role in several landmark judgments.
8. National Honour: In recognition of her outstanding service, former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on her the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.
9. Influential Judgments: Throughout her tenure on the bench, she has delivered judgments that have significantly impacted Nigerian jurisprudence, including key decisions in electoral and constitutional matters.
10. Family Background: Justice Kekere-Ekun hails from a prominent legal family. Her father, Justice Babatunde Kekere-Ekun, was also a respected judge in Nigeria, known for his integrity and dedication to justice.
11. Advocate for Women’s Rights: She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the judiciary, often using her platform to mentor and inspire young female lawyers.
12. Legacy of Service: As she is set to become the next Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the judiciary, building on her decades of service and commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
