Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu today, August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja.

She succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday, August 22, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of seventy years.

Early Life and Background

Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, one of Nigeria’s distinguished jurists, was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her parents, both natives of Lagos State, Nigeria, instilled in her a strong sense of heritage and values.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is the eldest of eleven siblings, born to a diverse and influential family. Her father, the late Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, had a strong lineage connected to three royal families in Lagos and was a devout Muslim.

Her mother, Mrs Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), was a qualified public health nurse from a prominent Lagos family and embodies strong Christian values.

Educational Journey

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s educational path has been a testament to her pursuit of excellence from a young age. Beginning with private primary education, she later attended Queen’s College, Lagos in 1970.
Her passion for law led her to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from 1977 to 1980, and subsequently to the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Bar in July 1981.

Demonstrating a deep commitment to continuous learning, she pursued and earned a master’s degree in law from the renowned London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1983.

Her educational accomplishments reflect her dedication to her field and position her as an inspiring figure in the legal profession.

Judicial Career

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s impressive judicial career began in December 1989 as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos. Her dedication and expertise propelled her through the ranks, and by July 19, 1996, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.

She was further recognized with her elevation to the Court of Appeal in September 2004, where she served in five different Divisions across Nigeria. Notably, she was the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division and later the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division.

Elevation to the Supreme Court

On July 8, 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court, making her the fifth and youngest female to hold this esteemed position.
Her contributions to the judiciary extend beyond her court rulings.

She is a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Litigation Department of the Court.

Her leadership roles have also included serving as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 until the tribunal’s dissolution in May 1999.

Professional Affiliations and Contributions

Justice Kekere-Ekun is a highly influential figure in the legal community, being actively involved in several professional organizations.

These include the National Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, where she holds the esteemed position of Fellow.

Notably, she has been honored as a Life Bencher by the Body of Benchers since February 8, 2018. In addition to her professional commitments, she is a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938, indicating her active participation in social and cultural activities.

Personal Life

Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun since December 1983. The couple has three children, all of whom have pursued higher education and are excelling in their respective fields.
Despite the demands of her career, she has managed to maintain a strong family life, exemplifying the values of dedication, discipline, and excellence both professionally and personally.

Two 18-year-old men have been charged with murder in the killing of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada were each charged Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, District Attorney George Gasón said at a news conference.

“The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us,” Gascón said.

The men and two co-defendants, all of whom were arrested Thursday, were set to be arraigned on Monday afternoon. It is not clear whether any have yet retained lawyers. An email to the county public defender’s office seeking comment on the case was not immediately answered.

Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted three thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car on May 25. Police said the 37-year-old had left work at a downtown LA rooftop bar with a coworker when he saw three men who had hoisted his car. Police said one of them fired at him without provocation and killed him.

Barceleau and Estrada were also both charged with grand theft and attempted robbery.
Barceleau’s charges include special circumstances, including murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, that after a conviction could lead to a life sentence without possibility of parole. Estrada’s charges have a maximum sentence of life in prison.

A third man who authorities allege were with them, Leonel Gutierrez, was charged with grand theft and attempted robbery. A fourth, Frank Olano, was charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Wactor’s death has become a rallying point for some in the city pushing for a more hardline approach to fighting crime.

A group consisting of family and friends calling itself “Justice for Johnny” held a rally last week calling for more urgency in the investigation, and another Monday morning calling for aggressive prosecution.