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NJC To Decide Next Chief Justice As Ariwoola Retires
The National Judicial Council (NJC) will convene on Friday, August 16, to select a successor for the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is set to retire on August 22 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
A reliable source within the Supreme Court, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the NJC has arranged this meeting to discuss the appointment of the next CJN.
Any names proposed during the meeting will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
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“No name has been sent to the President yet, as the NJC has not even met,” the source told Punch.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that currently, the Supreme Court is composed of 21 Justices, with the tradition being that the most senior Justice ascends to the role of CJN.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Justice on the bench, is the leading candidate for the position.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a valedictory session for August 22 to honor Justice Ariwoola’s contributions. Ariwoola, from Oyo State, was appointed CJN on October 12, 2022, succeeding Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi State.
In line with Section 231 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement will pave the way for the appointment of a new CJN. Justice Kekere-Ekun, as the next most senior Justice, is expected to assume the role.
A source within the Supreme Court noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascension to the role is “very certain,” adding that “normally, they will send three names, but it is always the most senior, and even the most senior is already preparing to take over.”
Upon confirmation, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria, following Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014. If confirmed, the 66-year-old Justice Kekere-Ekun will lead the judiciary until 2028, when she reaches the retirement age of 70.
A distinguished life bencher, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her career in private legal practice in 1985 before being appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II within the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
She became a judge of the High Court of Lagos State in July 1996 and later served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Lagos.
Her judicial career continued to rise, with her appointment to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004, where she contributed significantly across various divisions.
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She was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as its fifth female Justice, taking her oath of office on July 8, 2023.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s likely ascension to CJN is highly anticipated within the judiciary, where she is expected to uphold the rule of law and continue her distinguished service to the nation.
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