President Bola Tinubu has officially nominated Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and has submitted a request for her confirmation to the Senate. The nomination was read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In his letter, President Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which authorizes him to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council (NJC), pending Senate approval. He expressed confidence in Justice Kekere-Ekun’s qualifications and urged the Senate to act swiftly on the matter.
“I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval,” the President stated.
Following the reading, Senate President Akpabio directed that the nomination be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation at the next legislative sitting.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has been serving as the Acting CJN since the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, is the 23rd individual to hold this prestigious position and is notably the second female to serve as CJN in Nigeria. The first was Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who held office from July 2012 to November 2014.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, UK, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned her first degree in law in 1980. After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981. Her extensive legal experience positions her as a capable successor in leading Nigeria’s judiciary.
