President Bola Tinubu will on Friday swear-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after the retirement of the former, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Ariwoola retired as CJN on Thursday after attaining the retirement age of 70 for judges.
A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday said Tinubu would swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
However, Tinubu congratulated Justice Ariwoola, as he retired as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career.
Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer.
Tinubu commended 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.
The President thanked Justice Ariwoola and wished him the very best for the future.
The National Judicial Council had recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to Tinubu to replace Justice Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on 15 August.
Kekere-Ekun, the 5th and youngest female to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was born in London, the United Kingdom on 7th May 1958.