Kudirat Kekere Ekun: Meet the 66 year old nominated Chief Justice of Nigeria

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a prominent Nigerian jurist, recently nominated to be the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the age of 66. She is set to make history as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria. Her nomination represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's legal history, reflecting her decades of service, deep legal expertise, and commitment to justice.

 Background and Early Life

Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1957. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she had her early education. After completing her secondary education, she attended the University of Lagos, where she earned a degree in law (LL.B) in 1980. Following her university education, she proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 1981.

 Legal Career

Justice Kekere-Ekun's legal career began as a legal officer in the Nigerian Ministry of Justice in Lagos State. She worked her way up through the ranks, gaining experience in various areas of law. She later moved into private legal practice, where she continued to build her reputation as a brilliant legal mind.

### Judicial Appointments

In 1996, Kekere-Ekun was appointed a judge of the Lagos State High Court, where she served with distinction. Her diligence, fairness, and deep understanding of the law soon caught the attention of higher judicial authorities. In 2004, she was appointed to the Court of Appeal, Nigeria's intermediate appellate court, where she continued to demonstrate her legal acumen.

### Supreme Court Appointment

In June 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the highest court in the country. Her appointment to the Supreme Court was a testament to her extensive legal experience, sharp intellect, and reputation for impartiality. During her tenure on the Supreme Court, she has participated in numerous landmark cases that have shaped Nigerian law.

### Nomination as Chief Justice of Nigeria

At 66 years old, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been nominated by President Bola Tinubu to succeed the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. If confirmed, she will become the first female Chief Justice in Nigeria's history, breaking a significant glass ceiling in the Nigerian judiciary. Her nomination has been widely praised, with many noting her long and distinguished career, her commitment to the rule of law, and her potential to bring fresh perspectives to the judiciary.

### Contributions and Legacy

Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been known for her integrity, deep understanding of the law, and commitment to justice. Her judgments are often cited for their clarity, depth, and fairness. She has also been involved in judicial reforms and has contributed to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence.

Her nomination as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is seen as a recognition of her years of dedicated service to the judiciary. As she prepares to assume the highest judicial office in the country, many are hopeful that her tenure will be marked by fairness, transparency, and further strengthening of the Nigerian legal system.

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