Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has recently been appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, stepping into the role after the retirement of Justice Kayode Ariwoola. Kekere-Ekun, 66, previously made headlines in 2020 when she was part of the panel that delivered a controversial ruling declaring Hope Uzodimma of the APC as the governor of Imo State, a decision that resulted in the ousting of PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha. This ruling led to her being denied entry into the United States, raising questions about the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
Her appointment follows a recommendation from the National Judicial Council, emphasizing the need for stable leadership in the judiciary. Despite her contentious past, she is expected to receive confirmation from the Nigerian Senate, where President Bola Tinubu anticipates a smooth approval process.
The ruling that brought her to prominence has been criticized not only by political figures like former Cross-River Governor Donald Duke but also by members of the judiciary itself. Dattijo Muhammad, a recently retired Supreme Court justice, has openly condemned the judiciary, labeling it as corrupt and filled with “judicial bandits.”
As Kekere-Ekun takes on this pivotal role, her past and the controversies surrounding her decisions will likely continue to influence public perception and the future of Nigeria’s judicial system.
