Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is a prominent Nigerian jurist who has made significant contributions to the legal landscape of Nigeria.
Popularly known as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, she is currently a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Over the years, she has held various prestigious positions within the Nigerian judiciary and is widely respected for her legal acumen and dedication to justice.
Her career is marked by numerous achievements, including her recent recommendation to become the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), a position that, if confirmed, will make her the second female to hold this esteemed office.
Early Life
Justice Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, into a well-established Lagosian family.
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Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a distinguished legal practitioner and politician who held several significant positions, including Town Clerk of the Lagos City Council and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), was a devout Christian and a trained nurse who also served in the Lagos State civil service.
Growing up in a polygamous home, Kekere-Ekun was raised with strong values of hard work, integrity, and discipline.
Her early years were characterized by a rigorous upbringing, which included quality education and a strong emphasis on ethical standards.
Education
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s educational journey began in private primary schools before she proceeded to Queen’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions for girls.
She later attended the University of Lagos, where she studied Law and obtained her LL.B in 1980.
Following her graduation, she attended the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
Not content with just an undergraduate degree, she pursued further studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), earning a master’s degree in Law in 1983.
Career
Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal career in private practice, but the demands of the profession led her to seek a more stable work-life balance, which she found in the judiciary.
In December 1989, she joined the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II. Her judicial career progressed rapidly, and by July 19, 1996, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.
She was later elevated to the Court of Appeal in September 2004, where she served in various divisions across Nigeria, including as the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division and later as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division.
In July 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun achieved another milestone when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, becoming the fifth female Justice to sit on the apex court.
During her tenure, she has been involved in several landmark cases, including the controversial 2020 decision to sack Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha and declare Hope Uzodinma as the winner of the gubernatorial election, a verdict that sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Personal Life
Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, and their union is blessed with three children, all of whom are successful in their respective careers.
Her family life is characterized by strong ethical values, and she is known to draw inspiration from her husband’s work ethic and integrity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is a private person who maintains a low profile outside of her professional duties, but she is deeply committed to her family and the values that have shaped her career.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been recognized for her dedication to justice and her contributions to the legal profession.
She has attended numerous courses and seminars both within and outside Nigeria, enhancing her knowledge and expertise in various areas of law.
Her role as a life Bencher and a member of the International Association of Women Judges, where she currently serves as President, further highlights her commitment to advancing the judiciary and promoting the rule of law.
Works
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been actively involved in several judicial committees and projects aimed at reforming Nigeria’s legal system.
She was a member of the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee of the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), where she helped develop the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
She also chaired the Public Complaints and Training Committee under the UNODC pilot project, which played a pivotal role in strengthening judicial integrity and capacity in Lagos State.
Her work on the committee that drafted the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 introduced significant innovations in case management, which have been adopted by many states across Nigeria.
Awards and Nominations
Justice Kekere-Ekun has received numerous awards and accolades for her service to the judiciary.
In October 2022, she was conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
She has also received the Merit Awards of the Lagos State Judiciary and the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards from the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum in 2012 and 2014.
Her contributions to the legal profession have earned her recognition both nationally and internationally.
Controversy
Despite her illustrious career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has not been without controversy. Recently, she was accused by a group known as the Oduduwa Descendants Coalition for Justice of failing to fully declare her assets during her time as a judicial officer.
The group filed a petition with the Code of Conduct Bureau, alleging that she did not submit her assets declaration form at the end of her tenure as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in 1999, and again at the end of her tenure as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2013.
The petition calls for a thorough investigation into these allegations, especially given her impending elevation to the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Net Worth
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, her financial standing has come under scrutiny following her recommendation for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, especially in light of a recent bill signed by President Bola Tinubu that significantly increased the annual earnings of judicial officers.
If confirmed as the next CJN, she will earn anannual salary of N64 million, making her one of the highest-paid public officials in Nigeria.
