Unless any last-minute changes take place, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is poised to assume the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on August 22, succeeding Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who will retire after reaching the mandatory age of 70. Traditionally, the National Judicial Council (NJC), led by the CJN, recommends the most senior Supreme Court Justice to the President for this position.
A valedictory session in honor of Justice Ariwoola, who became CJN on October 12, 2022, following the retirement of Justice Tanko Mohammed, is scheduled for August 22. Justice Kekere-Ekun, if appointed, will become the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
