The House of Representatives has extended its warm congratulations to Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR, on her appointment as Nigeria’s second female Acting Chief Justice (CJN).
The House described the 23rd CJN as a distinguished member of the legal community whose judicial journey began 43 years ago upon being called to the Nigerian Bar.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second woman to hold this position in Nigeria’s history, succeeding Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN from 2012 to 2014.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has made significant strides throughout her career, including serving as a life Bencher and as President of the International Association of Women Judges. She advanced from Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989 to High Court Judge in July 1996, and was appointed to the Supreme Court as its 5th female Justice on July 8, 2013. Her career reflects a remarkable trajectory of judicial excellence.
Currently the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kekere-Ekun assumes this historic role pending the confirmation of the National Assembly, following the retirement of CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In his congratulatory message,Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, highlighted the Acting CJN’s exceptional pedigree and expressed confidence in her ability to bring reforms that would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian judiciary.
Speaker Abbas urged her to uphold the principles of fairness and justice in this national assignment, while expressing the House’s readiness to collaborate with the judiciary under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership to further Nigeria’s democracy.
Also Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger)stated: “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as Acting CJN is a historic and well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to our judiciary. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to justice have set a high standard for judicial excellence. We celebrate this milestone and eagerly anticipate her leadership and impartiality as she undertakes this pivotal role.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), added: “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascent to the role of Acting CJN stands as a testament to her exemplary service and leadership within the Nigerian judiciary. Her journey from a Senior Magistrate to the highest echelons of the Supreme Court is truly inspiring. We trust that her tenure will continue to advance the cause of justice in Nigeria.”
House of Representatives therefore congratulated Justice Kekere-Ekun on her distinguished career and wished her continued success in this pivotal role.
