Breaking: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun as next CJN, second woman in apex court’s annals

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, just as the incumbent, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, bows out.

The NJC made the recommendation during a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

At the meeting, the NJC also recommended 27 other individuals as judges for state high courts.

Persecondnews reports that Ariwoola will bow out of the bench on August 22, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.

If confirmed as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kekere-Ekun will make history as the second female CJN, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who held the position from 2012 to 2014.

She will serve a four-year term, leading the judiciary until her mandatory retirement in 2028, at the age of 70.

Kekere-Ekun, a renowned Life Bencher, launched her legal career in private practice, where she honed her skills from 1985 to 1989.

She subsequently made a seamless transition to public service, joining the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in the public sector.

Her subsequent appointments include Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996 and Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from 1996 to 1999.

Kekere-Ekun’s career advancement continued with her elevation to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004.

Her distinguished career trajectory includes her appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996, followed by her tenure as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from 1996 to 1999.

Kekere-Ekun’s subsequent elevation to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004, marked a significant milestone in her career progression, further solidifying her position as a respected jurist.

The 27 candidates for appointment as judges are:

Six judges, High Court of Kwara State
1. Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
2. Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
3. Florunsho, Oba Muritala
4. Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
5. Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
6. Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan

One judge, High Court of Kaduna State
1. Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru

Four judges, High Court of Benue State
1. Kor, Vincent Tersoo
2. Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
3. Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
4. Tor, Damian Tersugh

Two judges, Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State
1. Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
2. Igba, Theophilus Terhile

Eight judges in the Rivers State High Court
1. Onyiri, Frank
2. Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
3. Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
4. Oguguo, Rita Chituru
5. Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
6. Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
7.Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
8. Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi

Six judges, High Court of Ondo State
1. Daomi, Williams Adebisi
2.Fabuluje, Adewumi William
3. Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle, Idowu
4. Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
5. Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
6. Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola

One Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja
1. Muhammad, Lawal Munir

All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective state governors.