President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending Senate approval.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chambers in the State House following the President’s return to Abuja on Friday after a brief work visit to France.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
President Tinubu congratulated Ariwoola for his “successful public service career,” commending his contributions to the judiciary and the nation.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had earlier recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun as Ariwoola’s successor during its 106th meeting.
As the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench, Justice Kekere-Ekun is positioned to step into the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria upon Senate confirmation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, has had an illustrious career in the judiciary, having served as a private lawyer, Senior Magistrate, High Court Judge, and Justice of the Court of Appeal before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2013.
She is also a life Bencher and President of the International Association of Women Judges.
The Supreme Court currently has its full complement of 21 Justices, and Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as the Acting Chief Justice underscores her position as one of the top female jurists in the country.
She is married with children and has received several merit awards for her contributions to the legal profession.
