President Bola Tinubu has appointed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending Senate approval.
This appointment came after President Tinubu returned to Abuja on Friday morning following a brief work trip to France, which he cut short.
He had departed for France on Monday and arrived back at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport early Friday.
Read Also: NNPC Replies Atiku On Wale Tinubu, President ‘Interest’ In OVH
The official swearing-in of Justice Kekere-Ekun is scheduled to take place this morning at the Council Chambers in the State House. She will take over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced in a statement on Thursday that President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Justice Ariwoola. The President praised Ariwoola’s tenure in the judiciary as a “successful public service career” and commended him for his dedicated service to the nation.
“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 will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
“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.”
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011, Justice Ariwoola served on the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions.
He was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria on September 21, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Throughout his career, Justice Ariwoola has held various judicial roles and contributed significantly to the nation’s legal system.
