The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following her screening.
This confirmation follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal request to the Senate on Tuesday for her appointment, citing Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. The section empowers the president to appoint the CJN based on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to Senate approval.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination, stating, “I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, 66, has been serving as Acting CJN since the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola in August 2024. Her appointment as CJN was recommended by the NJC in August, marking her as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second woman to hold the position.
The first female CJN was Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from 2012 to 2014.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s legal career began at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, following her completion of the Nigerian Law School.