President Bola Tinubu will swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria on Friday at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu returned from his private visit to France on Thursday evening and will swear Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun at the presidential villa on Friday at 11 a.m.
Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired upon reaching 70 on Thursday.
The President hailed Ariwoola for his “successful career in public service” and commended Ariwoola for his contributions to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.”
Ariwoola was sworn in as Nigeria’s Chief Justice on September 21, 2022, after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Last week, the National Judicial Council (NJC), after its 106th Council Meeting, presided over by the former CJN, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun as President Tinubu’s successor to Ariwoola.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, was born on May 7, 1958. She obtained her law degree from the University of Lagos, was called to the Nigerian bar in 1981, and later earned an LL.M. from the London School of Economic and Political Science.
Throughout her career, she has held various judicial roles before being sworn in as the 5th female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 8, 2013.
She has participated in numerous courses and seminars, holds the position of a life Bencher, and serves as President of the International Association of Women Judges.