JUST-IN; Tinubu returns to Nigeria to swear in Kekere-Edun as CJN

Nigeria’s Supreme Court prepares for historic transition as Kekere-Ekun set to take helm

President Bola Tinubu will swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the State House Council Chambers on Friday.

Track News Online learnt that President Tinubu, who travelled to France for a brief working visit, is expected back in the country for the swearing in of Justice Kekere-Ekun as substantive CJN.

Kekere-Ekun rose to the position of CJN following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who was sworn in as CJN in 2022.

President Tinubu commended Justice Ariwoola for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.

Recall that the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 106th meeting had recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu for appointment as CJN. Kekere-Ekun is expected to take over the leadership of Nigeria’s judiciary in substantive capacity after her swearing.

Track News Online reports Justice Kekere-Ekun, born in 1958, joined the Supreme Court in July 2013. She was a judge of the High Court of Lagos State before her promotion to the Appeal Court in 2004..

Kekere-Ekun was called to the Bar in 1981 and appointed an Appeal Court judge in 2004. She is due to retire in 2028 when she will attain the 70-year mark.