Tinubu to Swear in Kekere-Ekun as New CJN On Friday

 

President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement issued on Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, marking a significant transition in the leadership of Nigeria’s judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Ariwoola, who officially bowed out after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

In his statement, President Tinubu congratulated Justice Ariwoola for a distinguished career in public service, praising his contributions to the legal profession and his role in strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system.

“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.

“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.”

Justice Ariwoola’s career has been marked by significant judicial accomplishments, having served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.

He was appointed as Chief Justice of Nigeria on September 21, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has since played a crucial role in the nation’s judiciary.

As Justice Kekere-Ekun prepares to take on her new role, she steps into the position with a wealth of experience and a strong reputation for judicial excellence, setting the stage for continued progress in the Nigerian legal system.