Nigeria Makes History with Appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
Nigeria Makes History with Appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun:Nigeria has made history with the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the country’s 23rd Chief Justice of the Federation, marking a significant milestone as the nation welcomes
its second female Chief Justice. This appointment, announced by
President Bola Tinubu, is seen as a progressive step forward in
promoting gender equality within the nation’s highest judicial office.
Justice Kekere-Ekun brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished
career in the judiciary to the role. Her elevation to the highest judicial
position is expected to influence key legal reforms and further strengthen
the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
the justice
Born in London, United Kingdom, on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun
is the eldest of eleven siblings. Her parents, both from Lagos State, Nigeria,
have deeply influenced her life. Her father, Senator Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fasinro,
was a senator in Nigeria and a fervent Muslim, while her mother, Mrs Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a devout Christian.
Justice Kekere-Ekun attended private primary schools before enrolling
at Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970. She studied Law at the University
of Lagos from 1977 to 1980, obtaining her LL.B in 1980. She then attended
the Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
After completing her mandatory National Youth Service Corps at
the Ministry of Justice in Benin City, Bendel State (now Edo State),
she pursued a master’s degree in Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), graduating in 1983.
the private
Justice Kekere-Ekun worked in private practice for a few years
before joining the bench in December 1989 as a Senior Magistrate Grade II.
She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996 and
elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2004. She served in five different divisions across the country before her elevation to the Supreme Court on July 8, 2013.
Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has made significant contributions,
including serving as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, and as one of the first judges selected to try cases under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004.
She has also been a member of several committees, including the Ethics
Curriculum Planning Committee and the UNODC Pilot Project. Additionally,
she has supervised the Apapa Magisterial District, served on the committee
that drafted the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004,
and was a member of the Steering Committee of the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is a recipient of numerous awards and a member
of several professional associations, including the National Association
of Women Judges and the International Association of Women Judges.
She is a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the International Dispute Resolution Institute.
the union
She has been married to Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983, and their union is blessed with three children. Her appointment as Chief Justice of the Federation marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s judicial system.