The National Judicial Council (NJC) is set to forward the name of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu today, Friday, August 16, 2024, for his approval as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This decision follows the NJC’s 106th meeting, where Justice Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Supreme Court Justice, was recommended to succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is set to retire on August 22 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
NJC spokesperson, Soji Oye, confirmed that the submission of her name to the President is the next step in the process.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun, aged 66, will become Nigeria’s second female CJN, following in the footsteps of Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014. Along with her new role, she will also chair the NJC, responsible for overseeing the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges nationwide.
In addition to Kekere-Ekun’s nomination, the NJC has recommended 27 others as judges of state high courts and one Khadi, whose names will be sent to their respective state governors and the President for approval.
News Editor