Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: A peep at new CJN’s judicial career, achievements

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. As the 23rd CJN and the second woman to hold this esteemed position, her appointment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s judicial history. Here are seven key facts about the new CJN that you should know:

Early Life and Education:

Born in London on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun comes from a distinguished background. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a notable Nigerian figure. She attended Queen’s College in Lagos and later earned her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980. She also holds an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), completed in 1983.

Legal Beginnings:

After being called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, she completed her National Youth Service at the Ministry of Justice in Benin City. She began her career in private legal practice, honing her skills from 1985 to 1989 before transitioning to the judiciary.

Judicial Career:

Justice Kekere-Ekun started her judicial career as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos in December 1989. By July 1996, she was appointed a judge of the High Court of Lagos State, where she served until her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2004. Her rapid rise within the judiciary is a testament to her legal acumen and dedication.

Role in Combating Crime:

Between November 1996 and May 1999, Justice Kekere-Ekun played a crucial role in Nigeria’s legal landscape as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, in Ikeja, Lagos. Her work in this position was instrumental in handling high-profile cases related to violent crimes.

Court of Appeal and Supreme Court:

Her expertise and judicial experience led to her appointment to the Court of Appeal, where she served in various capacities, including presiding over two divisions. In July 2013, she made history as the fifth female justice to be elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Judicial Ethics and Reforms:

Justice Kekere-Ekun has also contributed to judicial reforms. In 2003, she was part of the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC) Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee, which developed ethical guidelines in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Personal Life and Legacy:

Married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun since December 1983, Justice Kekere-Ekun is a mother of three. Her appointment as CJN not only makes her the second woman to hold this position, after Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar but also positions her as a role model for aspiring female jurists in Nigeria and beyond.

After her swearing-in, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the Nigerian judicial system.