Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR, JSC, is in line to become the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Here are twelve key points about her:
1. Early Life and Background:
Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her parents, both from Lagos State, Nigeria, had significant careers in public service and politics. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a notable legal practitioner and politician, while her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu, was a dedicated public health nurse.
2. Education:
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s academic journey began at private primary schools before she attended Queen’s College, Lagos, one of the premier girls’ schools in Nigeria. She pursued law at the University of Lagos, earning her LL.B in 1980, followed by an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
3. Early Legal Career:
After completing her education, Justice Kekere-Ekun engaged in private legal practice from 1985 to 1989. Her career in private practice was notable for its dedication and rigor before she transitioned to the judiciary.
4. Judicial Career Begins:
In December 1989, she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary. This role marked the beginning of her distinguished career on the bench.
5. High Court Judge:
Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996. During her tenure, she served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.
6. Court of Appeal Service:
On September 22, 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. In this capacity, she served in various Divisions and presided over the Makurdi and Akure Divisions in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
7. Supreme Court Appointment:
On July 8, 2023, Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, becoming the fifth female Justice and the youngest female to hold this position.
8. Professional Contributions:
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been actively involved in various judicial and legal reforms. She served on the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee for the National Center for State Courts and chaired the Public Complaints and Training Committee for a UNODC pilot project.
9. Awards and Recognition:
Her contributions to the judiciary have earned her several awards, including the Merit Awards from the Lagos State Judiciary and the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum.
10. Professional Associations:
She is a life member of the Body of Benchers, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the International Dispute Resolution Institute, and serves as the President of the International Association of Women Judges.
11. Personal Life:
Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, a respected financial advisor and former bank executive. They have three children who are all graduates and exceling in their fields.
12. Personal Philosophy:
She values self-examination and integrity, believing in being the change one wishes to see in the world. These principles have guided both her professional and personal life, making her a respected and influential figure in Nigeria’s legal system.