Update: Kekere-Ekun's Confirmation as Nigeria's New Chief Justice Sealed

 The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria. This confirmation comes after President Bola Tinubu nominated her for the position, citing Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council .

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Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting CJN since Justice Olukayode Ariwoola retired last month. She's the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second female jurist to hold this position, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served between July 2012 and November 2014 .

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria since August 22, 2024, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola . Born on May 7, 1958, she's a renowned Nigerian jurist with an impressive career spanning over four decades .

As the Acting CJN, Kekere-Ekun has pledged zero tolerance for corruption in Nigeria's judiciary, ensuring the code of conduct is fully complied with . Her commitment to integrity and fairness has been evident throughout her career, from her early days as a Senior Magistrate in Lagos State to her elevation to the Supreme Court in 2013 .

Kekere-Ekun's journey to becoming the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria is marked by notable achievements, including being the second female jurist to hold this position . Her legal expertise and dedication to justice have earned her numerous awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022 .

The confirmation process was swift, with President Tinubu urging the Senate to act urgently. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu's letter during plenary on Tuesday, and Kekere-Ekun appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for screening, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices .

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School . This marked the beginning of her illustrious legal career, which would eventually lead her to become the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria. Born on May 7, 1958, in London, UK, Justice Kekere-Ekun's educational journey started with private primary schools and Queen's College, Lagos, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where she earned her LL.B in 1980 .

Her academic achievements didn't stop there; she went on to obtain an LL.M from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983 . Justice Kekere-Ekun's commitment to excellence and continuous learning has been evident throughout her career.

Notable Career Milestones:

- Senior Magistrate Grade II: Appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989 

- High Court Judge: Elevated to a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996 

- Court of Appeal: Appointed in September 2004, serving in various divisions 

- Supreme Court Justice: Elevated on July 8, 2013, becoming the fifth female justice 

Today, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for justice, inspiring generations to come .

With her confirmation, Justice Kekere-Ekun is now officially the Chief Justice of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.