In a significant move for Nigeria’s judiciary, the Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This decision followed a thorough screening process and comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s request for her appointment, made just a day earlier.

During a Senate plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced President Tinubu’s letter, which invoked Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section empowers the President to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, pending Senate approval. Tinubu expressed his confidence in Kekere-Ekun’s capabilities and urged swift action from the Senate.

“I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval,” the President stated in his communication with lawmakers. Following this, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for discussion in the next legislative session.

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Justice Kekere-Ekun was recommended to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in August as the successor to the former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired last month. At 66 years old, Kekere-Ekun not only becomes the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria but also the second female to hold this esteemed position. The first was Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.

Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980. After attending the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the legal profession.