The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This decision comes as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, prepares to formally retire next week Thursday, August 22, 2024.
The recommendation was made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, which was presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, on August 14 and 15, 2024.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s Appointment
Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to succeed Justice Ariwoola, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished judicial career.
Her appointment is seen as a continuation of her efforts to uphold the integrity and independence of the Nigerian judiciary.
The NJC stated, “This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday on 22 August 2024.”
Appointment of 28 Other Judges
In addition to recommending Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new CJN, the NJC has also recommended twenty-eight (28) candidates for appointment as Judges across various courts in Nigeria.
The appointments are as follows:
Kwara State High Court
Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
Kaduna State High Court
Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru
Benue State High Court
Kor, Vincent Tersoo
Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
Tor, Damian Tersugh
Benue State Customary Court of Appeal
Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
Igba, Theophilus Terhile
Rivers State High Court
Onyiri, Frank
Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
Oguguo, Rita Chituru
Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi
Ondo State High Court
Daomi, Williams Adebisi
Fabuluje, Adewumi William
Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle, Idowu
Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola
FCT Abuja Sharia Court of Appeal
Muhammad, Lawal Munir
Next Steps
All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after receiving the approval of the NJC recommendations by the President and their respective State Governors.
