NJC Recommends Kekere-Ekun for Appointment as CJN

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has unanimously recommended the appointment of Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria. This decision comes during the NJC’s 106th meeting, chaired by the current Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, who is set to retire on August 22, 2024. In addition to the chief justice’s recommendation, the NJC has also proposed 27 candidates for various state courts and one candidate for the Kadi of the Sharia Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Details of the Recommendation

 Chief Justice of Nigeria

The NJC has officially recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, to succeed Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This move is seen as a pivotal step in shaping the future of the Nigerian judiciary. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s extensive experience and qualifications position her as a strong candidate to lead the Supreme Court and uphold the rule of law in the country.

With Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON,  the current CJN who has served as Chief Justice and is due to retire on August 22, 2024. His tenure has been marked by efforts to enhance the judiciary’s integrity and efficiency, making the transition to a new chief justice crucial for maintaining momentum in judicial reforms.

In addition to the chief justice position, the NJC has recommended a total of 27 candidates for appointment as Judges of State Courts. Additionally, a candidate has been proposed for the Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja. These appointments will require the approval of the President and the respective State Governors before the candidates can be sworn in.

List of Recommended Candidates

The NJC’s detailed recommendations include:

–Chief Justice of Nigeria:

  – Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR.

Judges for State Courts

  Kwara State

    – Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi

    – Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho

    – Folorunsho, Oba Muritala

    – Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo

    – Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike

    – Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan

  Kaduna State

    – Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru

  Benue State

    – Kor, Vincent Tersoo

    – Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna

    – Adagba, Nguhemen Julie

    – Tor, Damian Tersugh

  Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State

    – Onche, Ogah Inalegwu

    – Igba, Theophilus Terhile

   EIGHT JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF RIVERS STATE

Onyiri, Frank

Ugoji, Victor Chinedum

Obomanu, Godswill Vidal

Oguguo, Rita Chituru

Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah

Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester

Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi

Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi

SIX JUDGES, HIGH COURT OF ONDO STATE

Daomi, Williams Adebisi

Fabuluje, Adewumi William

Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu

Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness

Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah

Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola

  Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja:

    – Muhammad, Lawal Munir

These recommendations by the NJC signal a move towards reinforcing the leadership and integrity of the Nigerian judiciary. With Justice Kekere-Ekun poised to take the helm, there is optimism for progressive changes within the judicial system. The forthcoming appointments for state judges and the Kadi of the Sharia Court are also essential for enhancing judicial representation and effectiveness across Nigeria. As the nation approaches a new phase in its legal landscape, these developments will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public alike.