President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending Senate approval.
Her swearing-in took place shortly after President Tinubu returned to Abuja on Friday following a brief work visit to France.
The President, who returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport early Friday morning after departing for France on Monday, cut short his trip to conduct the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, at the Council Chambers of the State House.
Upon Senate approval, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced this development in a statement on Thursday. He also conveyed President Tinubu’s congratulations to Justice Ariwoola, praising his “successful public service career” and commending his contributions to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist 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.”
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in the Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria on September 21, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari and has contributed to the nation in various capacities as a judicial officer.
NJC’s recommendation
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had last week recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as Ariwoola’s successor.
NJC spokesman, Soji Oye, who disclosed this in a statement, had said the decision was taken following the Council’s 106th Meeting presided over by the CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
“This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, 22 August 2024,” the statement read.
The Supreme Court currently operates with its full complement of 21 Justices. Following the long-standing tradition of the apex court, the next most senior Justice will assume the role of Chief Justice.
In the current hierarchy, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Justice on the bench, positioning her to succeed Justice Ariwoola.