President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, 66, is the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench and has been recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to succeed Justice Ariwoola.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, marking a new era for Nigeria’s judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has had a distinguished career, serving as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 2013. She has attended numerous courses and seminars within and outside Nigeria and received several merit awards.
President Tinubu has commended Justice Ariwoola for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence.
The Supreme Court currently has a full complement of 21 Justices.