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.
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