12 Things to Know About the New CJN Kekere-Ekun, Blocked from the U.S. for Judicial Corruption
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was barred from entering the United States due to allegations of judicial corruption, has been sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House. She succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70.
The appointment of Ms Kekere-Ekun as the CJN has sparked controversy due to her involvement in a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the governor of Imo State. This ruling, which overturned the victory of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Emeka Ihedioha, was widely criticized and deemed one of the most controversial in the court’s history.
According to reports from Daily Independent, Ms Kekere-Ekun was denied a U.S. visa following this judgment, a move that highlighted international concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary. The visa rejection was reportedly due to her role in the panel of justices that delivered the controversial ruling.
Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke referenced the incident in his memoir, expressing concern over the impact of such decisions on Nigeria’s global standing. He noted that while the justices were barred from entering the U.S., their aides were granted visas, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Despite these controversies, the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended Ms Kekere-Ekun for the position of CJN, asserting the need to fill the crucial role promptly. Her nomination has been sent to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation, where she is expected to face little opposition.
The case that led to Ms Kekere-Ekun’s visa denial continues to cast a shadow over her career. Recently retired Supreme Court Justice Dattijo Muhammad openly criticized the court, labeling it as being rife with “judicial bandits and bribe-takers,” further fueling the debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary under her leadership.
12 Things to Know About New CJN Kekere-Ekun
1. Birth and Early Life: Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958.
2. Educational Background: She earned her law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
3. Advanced Studies: She furthered her education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she obtained an LL.M. in November 1983.
4. Legal Practice: Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal career as a private lawyer in Lagos from 1985 to 1989.
5. Judicial Appointment: In December 1989, she was appointed Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary.
6. High Court Appointment: She became a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996, and also served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.
7. Court of Appeal Service: On September 22, 2004, Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she served in various divisions and presided over two divisions (Makurdi & Akure).
8. Supreme Court Elevation: She was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5th female Justice of the Court and was sworn in on July 8, 2013.
9. Professional Development: The new CJN has attended numerous courses and seminars both within and outside Nigeria and has received several merit awards.
10. Professional Affiliations: She is a Life Bencher and a member of the International Association of Women Judges, where she currently serves as President.
11. National Honors: In October 2022, she was conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
12. Personal Life: Justice Kekere-Ekun is happily married with children.
You may want to read Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Religion, Husband, Children, State of Origin, and Son
