Nigeria has appointed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as its 23rd Chief Justice of the Federation, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the country’s second female Chief Justice.
President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment on Friday, highlighting it as a significant step towards gender equality in the highest judicial office of the nation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has had a distinguished career in the judiciary, is expected to influence major legal reforms and enhance the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Here’s a profile of Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second woman to assume the role of Chief Justice:
Born in London on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun is the eldest of eleven siblings. Her father, Senator Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fasinro, was a prominent Nigerian senator and legal practitioner, while her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu, was a dedicated nurse and civil servant.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s educational journey began at Queen’s College, Lagos, followed by the University of Lagos where she earned her LL.B. in 1980. She completed her legal education at the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in July 1981. She later pursued a master’s degree in Law at the London School of Economics.
After starting her career in private practice, Justice Kekere-Ekun joined the bench, first as a Senior Magistrate in Lagos in 1989. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996, then moved to the Court of Appeal in 2004, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2013.
Her career has included notable roles such as Chairperson of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, and involvement in financial crimes and ethics reform. She has also contributed significantly to the development of judicial procedures and integrity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s landmark decisions include pivotal judgments in Imo, Kogi, Osun, and Rivers State governorship disputes.
Married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun since 1983, Justice Kekere-Ekun has three children and is also a respected member of various legal associations and a recipient of numerous awards.
This appointment is expected to bring continued progress and integrity to Nigeria’s judiciary.