The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NJC spokesman Soji Oye announced this decision in a statement on Thursday, following the Council’s 106th meeting, which was chaired by the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
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The meeting took place on August 14 and 15 in Abuja, just a week before Justice Ariwoola’s retirement as CJN.
“This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, 22 August 2024,” the statement read.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on September 21, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He is set to retire on August 22, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The Supreme Court currently has its full complement of 21 Justices. In keeping with the Court’s tradition, the next most senior Justice is expected to succeed him.
Among the Justices, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the most senior and is the most likely candidate for the position of CJN.
