Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, making her the second female CJN in the nation’s history. The ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment follows her confirmation by the Senate. The ceremony was attended by former Chief Justices, including the first female CJN, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other senior judiciary officials.

In his speech, President Tinubu emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in maintaining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. “The judiciary is an important pillar that holds our constitutional democracy,” Tinubu said, underlining its role as the last resort for justice and ensuring checks and balances in governance.

The President assured the judiciary of non-interference from his administration. “Under my watch, the government will be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us as separate organs,” he stated, promising to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary and improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

Tinubu lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women and young girls in a traditionally male-dominated field. “Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true,” the President remarked. He also recognized the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family, including her 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu, and her husband, Akin Kekere-Ekun.

The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several members of the Federal Executive Council, alongside former and current Justices of the Supreme Court and senior judicial officers.

Justice Kekere-Ekun has had a distinguished career. Born on May 7, 1958, in London, she obtained her law degree from the University of Lagos in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She also holds a Master of Law from the London School of Economics.

Starting as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary, Kekere-Ekun ascended to a High Court Judge and chaired the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal. She was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2004 and became a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2013. Her contributions to the judiciary were recognized in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari awarded her the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s swearing-in as CJN followed her previous role as acting CJN after the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola in August.