What to Know About Incoming Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun and Her Notable Judgments

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On Friday, August 23, 2024, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun will be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), becoming the second woman in the nation's history to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment follows the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian judiciary.

 Early Life and Educational Background

Justice Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She began her educational journey at St. Mary’s School in Lagos before attending Queens College, Yaba, for her secondary education. Her pursuit of legal studies led her to the University of Lagos, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1980. She was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. In 1983, she furthered her academic qualifications with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 Legal Career and Judicial Advancement

Justice Kekere-Ekun's legal career began at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, where she served as a State Counsel from 1982 to 1989. During this period, she gained extensive experience in various legal matters, including drafting legal opinions, prosecuting cases, and representing the state in court.

She later transitioned to private practice, working with several law firms where she broadened her expertise across different areas of law. Her judicial career took a significant leap in 1996 when she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State. In 2004, her career reached new heights as she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, one of Nigeria's highest appellate courts. During her time at the Court of Appeal, Justice Kekere-Ekun made substantial contributions to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence through her involvement in numerous important cases.

Her rise to the pinnacle of the judiciary came on June 8, 2013, when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Her appointment was widely acclaimed, and she has continued to serve with distinction, playing a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of the country through her participation in landmark judgments.

 Notable Judgments

Throughout her tenure at the Supreme Court, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been involved in several landmark decisions:

- Hope Uzodinma v. Emeka Ihedioha (2020): In this case, which revolved around the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election, Justice Kekere-Ekun delivered the controversial judgment that declared Hope Uzodinma the winner, overturning the previous victory of Emeka Ihedioha. The judgment was based on the inclusion of results from 388 polling units that had been excluded, altering the outcome of the election.

- Adeleke v. Oyetola (2019): This case concerned the Osun State governorship election, where Senator Ademola Adeleke contested the results, alleging electoral irregularities. Justice Kekere-Ekun was part of the panel that upheld the election of Gboyega Oyetola, dismissing Adeleke's appeal due to insufficient evidence of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

- Nyesom Wike v. Dakuku Peterside (2016): In this case, related to the 2015 Rivers State governorship election, Justice Kekere-Ekun was part of the Supreme Court panel that confirmed Nyesom Wike's election victory, dismissing the appeal by Dakuku Peterside. The court ruled that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the law.

-Center for Oil Pollution Watch v. NNPC: Justice Kekere-Ekun expanded the scope of public interest litigation in Nigeria by ruling that a party directly affected by environmental damage can seek redress in court, thereby broadening access to justice for those impacted by such issues.

 Awards and Recognition

Justice Kekere-Ekun's contributions to the legal profession have been recognized through various awards and honors. She has received accolades for her dedication to justice, including national honors and awards from legal associations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Her leadership and influence have also been acknowledged in the realm of gender advocacy, where she is celebrated as one of the foremost female figures in Nigeria’s judiciary.


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