Meet Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Youngest Female Justice Of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, her Age, Husband, Religion, State of Origin, Career and all you need to know about her.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn-in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
EJES GIST NEWS reports that Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday, August 22, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun profile.
Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is a distinguished member of Nigeria’s judiciary, currently serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Notably, she is the fifth and youngest female to ascend to this prestigious position. This article delves into her early life, education, and notable achievements, highlighting the journey of one of Nigeria’s most influential legal minds.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Early Life
Justice Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, to Nigerian parents from Lagos State. She is the eldest of eleven siblings. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a notable legal practitioner and politician, deeply involved in public service and politics. He served as a Crown Counsel in the old Western Region of Nigeria and later became the Town Clerk of the Lagos City Council. His political career peaked when he was elected as a Senator in 1983, a position he held until the military coup in December of the same year. Alhaji Fasinro passed away in 2019 at the age of 99.
Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), a devout Christian, was a Public Health Nurse who returned to Nigeria after her studies in the UK. She built a career in the Lagos State civil service, retiring at the age of 60. Mrs. Ogundimu hails from the prominent Savage family in Lagos and continues to be a respected matriarch.
Growing up in a polygamous home, Justice Kekere-Ekun was raised in a strict and disciplined environment, instilling in her values of hard work, integrity, and resilience. The presence of extended family members and other children in the household contributed to a rich upbringing filled with learning and discipline.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Education
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s education journey was marked by excellence. She attended top private primary schools before enrolling in Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970, which was then the best federal school for girls in Nigeria. Her passion for law led her to the University of Lagos, where she earned her LL.B in 1980. She furthered her legal education at the Nigerian Law School, being called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981. To broaden her legal expertise, she pursued a Master’s degree at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), completing it in 1983.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Legal Career
After qualifying as a lawyer, Justice Kekere-Ekun initially worked in private practice. However, the demanding nature of private legal practice prompted her to seek a more balanced career, leading to her appointment as a Senior Magistrate Grade II by the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989. This role marked the beginning of her illustrious career on the bench.
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Her competence and dedication led to her elevation as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996. She continued to rise through the ranks, being appointed to the Court of Appeal in September 2004, where she served in five different divisions across Nigeria. Notably, she was the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division and later the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division. On July 8, 2013, she was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where she continues to serve with distinction.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been involved in several high-profile cases and judicial reforms. She chaired the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Lagos from 1996 to 1999 and was instrumental in shaping the legal landscape through her involvement in drafting the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004. These rules introduced significant innovations in case management, such as pre-trial conferences and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which have been widely adopted across Nigeria.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s commitment to justice extends beyond her courtroom duties. She played a key role in developing the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and served on committees that shaped the ethics and operations of Nigeria’s judiciary. Her work on the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House, the first court-connected ADR center in Africa, underscores her dedication to improving access to justice.
Her integrity and dedication have been recognized through various awards, including the Merit Awards from the Lagos State Judiciary and the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum. She is also a Life Bencher, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and a member of several professional and social organizations.
Personal Life
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983. Their marriage is blessed with three children who are all successful in their respective careers. Her personal and professional life is guided by principles of self-examination, setting high standards, and being the change one wishes to see in the world.
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun’s life and career are a testament to her enduring commitment to justice, integrity, and excellence. Her contributions to Nigeria’s legal system continue to inspire the next generation of legal practitioners.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Husband
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR. Their union, which began in December 1983, has been marked by mutual respect and shared values. Mr. Kekere-Ekun’s strong work ethic and integrity have been significant influences in her life.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Children
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and her husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, are blessed with three children. All of their children are graduates and are excelling in their respective fields.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Son
Details about the sons of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun are not widely publicized. However, it is known that her children, including her son(s), have pursued higher education and are successful in their chosen careers.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Religion
Justice Kekere-Ekun was raised in a family with both Muslim and Christian influences. Her father was a fervent Muslim, while her mother is a devout Christian. These dual religious influences have played a role in shaping her balanced worldview and approach to justice.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun State of Origin
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun hails from Lagos State, Nigeria. Her family background is deeply rooted in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Lagos.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Religion
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun practices Islam. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a devout Muslim, which influenced her upbringing and religious beliefs.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a serving Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, known for her remarkable contributions to the judiciary. Her career has been defined by her dedication to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, UK, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the eldest of eleven siblings. She obtained her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980 and later a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her judicial career spans from her initial role as a Senior Magistrate in 1989 to her appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2013.
Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun
Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is widely respected in Nigeria’s legal community. As a trailblazer and the fifth female to be appointed to the Supreme Court, she continues to inspire many with her unwavering commitment to justice and her exceptional legal acumen.
Awards and Recognition
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions. She has received Merit Awards from the Lagos State Judiciary twice, in 2003 and 2013. The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum honored her with the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards in 2012 and 2014. She is also a Life Bencher, having been conferred with this honor in February 2018, and is a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the International Dispute Resolution Institute.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Net Worth
While specific details about Justice Kekere-Ekun’s net worth are not publicly available, her long and distinguished career in the judiciary suggests a life of service more focused on integrity and public duty than on personal wealth.
