Kekere-Ekun

Breaking Glass Ceilings: Meet Nigeria's New Lady Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun!

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun makes history as Nigeria's second female Chief Justice, vowing to restore trust and uphold judiciary independence!

In a historic event at the State House's Council Chamber, President Bola Tinubu ceremoniously swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, making her the 23rd person to hold this influential office. Justice Kekere-Ekun is not only notable for her position but also recognized for being the second woman to ever step into this crucial role. The swearing-in comes on the heels of the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70, marking a pivotal transition in the Nigerian judiciary.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the judiciary's independence and urged the acting Chief Justice to uphold these ideals throughout her tenure. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, known for her remarkable legal acumen, has already made waves in the legal community, notably being one of the justices who overturned the controversial 2019 Imo State governorship election result. Her wealth of experience sets the stage for her to navigate the complexities of Nigeria's legal landscape, inspiring hope among citizens who wish to see an impartial and fair judicial system.

Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed her commitment to restoring faith in Nigeria's judiciary, aiming to bridge the gap between the formal justice system and the everyday lives of Nigerians. With her unique perspective as a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated sphere, she hopes to instigate positive changes that could help more citizens feel represented and respected by the law. As she embarks on this significant journey, expectations are high that she will address longstanding issues that have plagued the judiciary, including corruption and inefficiency.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, it's interesting to note that Justice Kekere-Ekun's appointment symbolizes a significant leap toward gender equality in the Nigerian judiciary. With women's representation in top leadership roles being critically low, her position as the acting Chief Justice is both a beacon of progress and a challenge to the status quo. As she steps into this powerful role, she carries the aspirations of many Nigerians who believe in a just and equitable society, and we can only wait and see how she will steer the ship of justice in Nigeria!