President Bola Tinubu will officially swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23. The ceremony, set to take place at the Council Chambers of the State House, comes as Justice Olukayode Ariwoola retires from the judiciary after a distinguished career.
The announcement was made on Thursday through a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Justice Ariwoola, acknowledging his contributions to the nation’s legal system during his tenure.
Justice Ariwoola’s career in the judiciary spanned several decades, beginning as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in various divisions, including Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos, before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence and strengthening the legal framework.
“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.”
As Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun steps into the role of Chief Justice, her swearing-in marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s judiciary under President Tinubu’s administration.