The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), signaling a significant development in the nation’s judiciary.
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun has been suggested by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for consideration as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On Thursday, the NJC spokesman Soji Oye announced that the decision to take action was made during a meeting presided over by the CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. This information was disclosed in an official statement.
Seven days before the retirement of Justice Ariwoola as CJN, he stated that the meeting took place in Abuja on August 14 and 15.
According to the statement, “It is crucial due to Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s impending retirement as the Honorable Chief Justice of Nigeria on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the CJN on September 21, 2022. He is scheduled to retire on August 22 upon reaching the obligatory retirement age of seventy years old.
The Supreme Court presently has all 21 Justices intact. Following the longstanding practice of the highest court, it is probable that the next most experienced Justice shall assume responsibility.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun holds the highest seniority on the apex court bench according to their hierarchies, making her the most probable candidate for succession.
The NJC suggested twenty-seven (27) individuals for the position of Judges in State Courts and one candidate as Kadi for the Sharia Court of FCT, Abuja. These suggestions were submitted to their respective State Governors and Mr. President as well.
Below is the full statement, please see it.
The NJC has put forth Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR as the suitable candidate for the position of Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria along with twenty-eight (28) other individuals to serve in various courts as Judges according to their recommendation.
During its 106th Meeting on August 14 & 15, 2024 overseen by the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, the National Judicial Council suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR consider appointing Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun CFR as Nigeria’s new Chief Justice.
It is crucially important to note that Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON will be retiring from his position as the Honorary Chief Justice of Nigeria on Thursday 22 August 2024.
The Council has advised the appointment of twenty-seven (27) individuals as Judges for State Courts, and one individual as Kadi for Sharia Court in FCT Abuja. The recommendations have been forwarded to their respective State Governors and Mr. President.
CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA
Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR
SIX JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF KWARA STATE
Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
ONE JUDGE, HIGH COURT OF KADUNA STATE
Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru
FOUR JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF BENUE STATE
Kor, Vincent Tersoo
Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
Tor, Damian Tersugh
TWO JUDGES, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, BENUE STATE
Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
Igba, Theophilus Terhile
EIGHT JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF RIVERS STATE
Onyiri, Frank
Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
Oguguo, Rita Chituru
Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi
SIX JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF ONDO STATE
Daomi, Williams Adebisi
Fabuluje, Adewumi William
Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu
Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola
ONE KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, FCT ABUJA
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.
Soji Oye, Esq.
Director, Information
