Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a Nigerian jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She has been recommended by the National Judicial Council to replace justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Following a successful career rally as the Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was tipped to be the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria after Aloma Mukhtar in 2012.
Let us delve into Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography, Career, Early Life and many more interesting facts about her.
Early Life and Background
Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo was born on the 7th of May, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. She was popularly known as Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Education
Kudirat obtained her LL.B. degree from the University of Lagos in 1980.
Kudirat was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School.
She pursued further studies at the London School of Economics, earning an LL.M. in Law in November 1983.
Career Highlights and Achievements
She began her legal career in the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate II.
She rose through the ranks and eventually became a State High Court Judge.
Kekere-Ekun served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from November 1996 to May 1999.
In 2004, she was appointed to the bench of the Nigerian Court of Appeal. One of her notable cases was the Ondo State Governorship Appeal case where she upturned late Governor Olusegun Agagu’s victory and announced Governor Olusegun Mimiko in 2009.
She was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria came in July 2013.
In 2020, Kekere-Ekun was part of the seven-member panel that nullified the election of Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha. The court declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, despite originally coming fourth in the election results.
Awards and Recognition
In October 2022, she received the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Husband and Children
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR. The couples have been married December 1983. His work ethic and integrity have been a great motivating factor for her. Their union is blessed with three children who are all graduates and excelling in their chosen fields.
