The National Judicial Council (NJC) has put forward Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun for the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This recommendation follows the imminent retirement of the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is scheduled to step down on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The announcement was made on Thursday by NJC spokesperson Soji Oye, who revealed that the decision was reached during the NJC’s 106th meeting, presided over by Justice Ariwoola. The meeting took place on August 14 and 15 in Abuja, a week ahead of the CJN’s retirement.
“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, 22 August 2024,” read the official statement.
Justice Ariwoola has served as the Chief Justice since September 2022, having been appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure will soon end, and by tradition, the next most senior justice is expected to take over the position. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, currently the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, is widely regarded as his likely successor.
In addition to this key recommendation, the NJC also put forward 28 other candidates for various judicial positions across Nigeria. This includes 27 individuals recommended for appointment as judges in various state courts, and one candidate for the position of Kadi in the Sharia Court of Appeal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
These recommendations will be reviewed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the respective state governors before the candidates can be officially sworn into their new positions.
