The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This recommendation comes ahead of the retirement of the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is set to step down on August 22, 2024.
The decision was made during the NJC's 106th meeting, held in Abuja between August 14 and 15. The council's spokesman, Soji Oye, announced that the recommendation for Justice Kekere-Ekun's appointment had been forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approval.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is currently a Justice of the Supreme Court, is set to replace Justice Ariwoola, who will formally bow out next Thursday. Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone in the Nigerian judiciary, given her extensive experience and contributions to the legal system.
In addition to recommending Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN, the NJC also approved the appointment of 28 new judges for various state courts across the country and a Kadi for the Sharia Court of Appeal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. These recommendations have been sent to the respective state governors and the President for confirmation.
Here is the full list of recommended judges:
Chief Justice of Nigeria:
- Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR
High Court of Kwara State (6 Judges):1. Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
2. Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
3. Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
4. Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
5. Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
6. Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
High Court of Kaduna State (1 Judge):
- Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru
High Court of Benue State (4 Judges):
1. Kor, Vincent Tersoo
2. Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
3. Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
4. Tor, Damian Tersugh
Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State (2 Judges):
1. Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
2. Igba, Theophilus Terhile
High Court of Rivers State (8 Judges):
1. Onyiri, Frank
2. Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
3. Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
4. Oguguo, Rita Chituru
5. Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
6. Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
7. Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
8. Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi
High Court of Ondo State (6 Judges):
1. Daomi, Williams Adebisi
2. Fabuluje, Adewumi William
3. Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu
4. Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
5. Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
6. Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola
Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja (1 Kadi):
- Muhammad, Lawal Munir
These appointments are part of the NJC's ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary and ensure effective justice delivery across the country.
