The National Judicial Council (NJC) held its 106th meeting last week, during which it recommended the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Should President Tinubu approve this recommendation, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second female CJN in the history of Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Maryam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.
Here’s everything you need to know about Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s early life, education, and notable achievements.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family Lineage
- Date of Birth: May 7, 1958
- Place of Birth: London, United Kingdom
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was born in London to parents of Lagos State origin. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a prominent legal practitioner, politician, and a man of noble lineage who belonged to three royal families in Lagos. He held numerous positions throughout his career, including serving as a Crown Counsel in the old Western Region of Nigeria and as the Town Clerk of Lagos City Council. He also served as a Senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1983. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a devout Christian who built a career as a Public Health Nurse after studying nursing in the UK.
Education
Primary and Secondary Education
Justice Kekere-Ekun received a high-quality education, attending private primary schools before enrolling in Queen’s College, Lagos in 1970. Queen’s College was renowned at the time as the best Federal Government College for girls in Nigeria.
Tertiary Education
- Undergraduate: University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she studied Law from 1977 to 1980 and earned her LL.B in 1980.
- Professional Qualification: Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Bar in July 1981.
- Postgraduate: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she obtained her Master’s degree in Law in 1983.
Career Achievements
Entry into Legal Practice and the Judiciary
After obtaining her law degree and master’s, Justice Kekere-Ekun briefly worked in private law practice. In 1989, she transitioned to the judiciary, seeking more predictable work hours that would allow her to balance her professional and domestic responsibilities.
- Senior Magistrate Grade II: Appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
- High Court Judge: Elevated to a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996.
Court of Appeal
In September 2004, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Court of Appeal. She served in five different divisions across the country, holding notable positions including:
- Presiding Justice: Makurdi Division (Pioneer) and Akure Division of the Court of Appeal.
Supreme Court Appointment
On July 8, 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Currently, she serves on the Supreme Court Rules Committee and chairs the Supervisory Committee of the Litigation Department of the Court.
Notable Contributions and Responsibilities
Robbery and Firearms Tribunal
- Chairmanship: Led the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 until May 1999.
Financial Crimes and Money Laundering
- Judge Selection: One of three judges selected by the Lagos State High Court to try financial crimes under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004.
Ethics Curriculum and Judicial Reform
- Committee Work: Served as a member of the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee and Public Complaints Committee, contributing to the development of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and the reform of the justice delivery system.
ADR and Civil Procedure Reforms
- Steering Committee Member: Lagos State Multi-Door Court House and Committee on the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004.
Awards and Recognitions
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the judiciary have been recognized with numerous awards:
- Lagos State Judiciary Merit Awards: December 2003 and September 2013.
- Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum Trailblazers Awards: 2012 and 2014.
She is also a Life Bencher and a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the International Dispute Resolution Institute.
Personal Life
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR since December 1983. Their marriage has been blessed with three children, all of whom have graduated and are excelling in their respective fields. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s guiding principles in life are rooted in self-examination, integrity, and setting high standards from the onset of any endeavor.
