Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been officially sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, where Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office at approximately 11:38 am. Shortly after, at 11:45 am, she assumed her position to the left of the President, signifying her new role.
Kekere-Ekun will serve as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Majority Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, and the immediate past CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Also present were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination was put forward by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and presented to President Tinubu on August 15th. Her swearing-in marks a significant moment, as she becomes the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.
