Meet Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Youngest Female Justice Of Nigeria’s Supreme Court

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will be sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu today, August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja.

Naija News reports that Justice Kekere-Ekun would become the successor to Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired from service on Thursday, August 22, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of seventy years

Early Life and Background

Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, one of Nigeria’s distinguished jurists, was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her parents, both natives of Lagos State, Nigeria, instilled in her a strong sense of heritage and values.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is the eldest of eleven siblings, born to a diverse and influential family. Her father, the late Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a devout Muslim with a rich lineage connected to three royal families in Lagos.

Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), a devout Christian and a qualified Public Health Nurse, also hails from a prominent Lagos family.

Educational Journey

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s educational path was marked by excellence from an early age. She attended private primary schools before moving on to Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970.

Her passion for law led her to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she studied from 1977 to 1980. She proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Bar in July 1981.

Demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning, she later earned a master’s degree in law from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1983.

Judicial Career

Justice Kekere-Ekun began her illustrious judicial career as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos in December 1989. Her dedication and expertise quickly propelled her through the ranks, and by July 19, 1996, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.

Her judicial acumen was further recognized with her elevation 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.

Elevation to the Supreme Court

On July 8, 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court, making her the fifth and youngest female to hold this esteemed position.

Her contributions to the judiciary extend beyond her court rulings. She is a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Litigation Department of the Court.

Her leadership roles have also included serving as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 until the tribunal’s dissolution in May 1999.

Professional Affiliations and Contributions

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s influence and involvement in the legal community are extensive. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, where she is a Fellow.

She has also been honored as a Life Bencher by the Body of Benchers since February 8, 2018. Beyond her professional commitments, she is a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938, reflecting her engagement in social and cultural activities.

Personal Life

Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun since December 1983. The couple has three children, all of whom have pursued higher education and are excelling in their respective fields.

Despite her demanding career, she has maintained a strong family life, embodying the values of dedication, discipline, and excellence both professionally and personally.