The Nigerian Judiciary has been buzzing with groundbreaking stories, with the biggest one being the swearing-in of Justice Kekere Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
This is pending her confirmation by the Senate. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the council chamber of the State House in Abuja. She succeeds Justice Tanko Muhammad, who retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 70. Justice Kekere Ekun took the oath of office and signed the oath register on Friday, becoming the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria in an acting capacity until confirmation by the Senate.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Supreme Court justices, President Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representatives leaders, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
President Buhari praised Justice Kekere Ekun's esteemed judicial career and dedication to the Nigerian legal system. He noted that she comes to this position with an admirable family and professional pedigree. Over the years, she has established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside NBA President Olumide Akpata, expressed support for Justice Kekere Ekun's appointment, acknowledging her extensive experience and expertise in the field. They emphasized her outstanding jurist background, having started as a lawyer and progressed through various courts, finally reaching the Supreme Court. They also expect to see institutional reforms during her tenure as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
For Justice Kekere Ekun, this is an opportunity to improve Justice delivery in Nigeria and restore confidence in the Judiciary. She emphasized that this is not a one-person job, and she called for cooperation from all stakeholders to identify areas that need improvement.
Having been born on May 7, 1958, in Lagos, Justice Kekere Ekun began her legal career as a State Counsel in Lagos before rising to the High Court. In 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, one of the highest appellate courts in Nigeria. Her judicial journey culminated in her appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court on June 8, 2013. Justice Kekere Ekun has been lauded for her impactful contributions to Nigeria's legal system, participating in key decisions that have shaped the nation's jurisprudence. She now holds the distinction of being the second female Justice to attain the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
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