Meet Kudirat Kekere Ekun set to become Nigeria’s Chief Justice at 66

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to become Nigeria’s Chief Justice at the age of 66. Her appointment is one of the most talked-about developments in the country’s legal circles. 

After being recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC), all that remains is a confirmation by the Senate, and Nigeria will have its next Chief Justice.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is not new to the spotlight. With a career spanning over four decades, she has become one of Nigeria’s most respected and experienced legal minds. 

Her rise to the top is not surprising given her impressive track record. When the current Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola, steps down on August 22, 2024, Kekere-Ekun will be ready to take over.

Kudirat Kekere Ekun’s early beginnings and legal education

Her journey to this prestigious role is a testament to her dedication and excellence. Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Kekere-Ekun started her early education in private primary schools before attending Queen’s College in Lagos in 1970. 

This elite school, known for nurturing some of Nigeria’s brightest minds, laid the foundation for her remarkable legal career.

In 1977, Kekere-Ekun took a significant step towards her future when she enrolled at the University of Lagos to study law. 

She graduated with an LL.B degree in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School. These were the early years of what would become a trailblazing legal career.

Her first taste of legal work came during her National Youth Service assignment at the Ministry of Justice in Benin City, Bendel State (now Edo State).

After this, she pursued a master’s degree in law at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), completing her studies in 1983. This added international experience and perspective to her already impressive education.

How her career took off

Kekere-Ekun’s career took off when she started practicing law privately in 1985. But it wasn’t long before she transitioned to the judiciary. In December 1989, she became a Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary. 

This was just the beginning. Her commitment and hard work saw her rise through the ranks, and in 1996, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.

During this time, Kekere-Ekun also took on the challenging role of Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos. 

From 1996 to 1999, she handled some of the most difficult and high-profile criminal cases in the country. This experience further solidified her reputation as a tough and fair judge.

In 2004, she reached another milestone when she was promoted to the Court of Appeal. Her expertise in handling complex legal matters saw her serve in various capacities, including as a member of the Court of Appeal ICT Committee.

In 2021 and 2023, she served as the presiding Justice of the Makurdi and Akure Divisions of the Court of Appeal, respectively.

Justice Kekere-Ekun has always been committed to professional development. She has attended numerous training workshops and seminars, both in Nigeria and abroad. 

These include the Case Management and Court Administration Training Workshop organized by the National Centre for State Courts in 2001, and an ICT Training Course in Dubai in 2012. She also participated in the 34th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime at Cambridge University in 2016.

One of the most defining moments of her career came in January 2020. As the lead judge, Kekere-Ekun delivered a landmark judgment that declared Hope Uzodinma as the lawful governor of Imo State. The decision was controversial, as it was based on the argument that results from 388 polling units had not been counted. 

This case showcased her ability to handle complex and contentious issues with clarity and precision.

On June 8, 2013, she was promoted to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, becoming the fifth female Justice of the Court. Her appointment was historic, as she was one of the youngest women ever to hold that position. Her time on the Supreme Court has been marked by her thoughtful and balanced approach to legal issues.

Beyond the courtroom, Justice Kekere-Ekun is an influential figure in the global legal community. She is a life Bencher and is actively involved in several professional organizations. 

Notably, she serves as the President of the International Association of Women Judges, where she champions gender equality and women’s empowernment in the legal profession.

As she prepares to take on the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s legacy is already firmly established. Her journey from private practice to the highest judicial office in the country is a story of hard work, perseverance, and excellence. 

At 66, she is not just a seasoned judge but a leader who has dedicated her life to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

Her appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria will be a milestone for the country’s judiciary and an inspiration for the next generation of legal professionals, especially women.