NJC Recommends Justice Kekere-Ekun as Next Chief Justice of Nigeria, 28 Judges for State Courts

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The recommendation was made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, presided over by the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Justice Ariwoola has forwarded the recommendation to President Bola Tinubu for approval.

The NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, stated, “This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, August 22, 2024.” Justice Ariwoola is set to retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

If confirmed by the president, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s second female CJN, following Justice Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.

In addition to the recommendation of Justice Kekere-Ekun, the NJC has also recommended 27 candidates for appointment as judges of various state high courts, along with one candidate for the position of Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja. These recommendations will be forwarded to their respective state governors and the president for approval.

The following is the full list of recommended judges for state courts:

High Court of Kwara State (6 Judges)

1. Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
2. Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
3. Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
4. Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
5. Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
6. Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan

High Court of Kaduna State (1 Judge)

1. Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru

High Court of Benue State (4 Judges)

1. Kor, Vincent Tersoo
2. Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
3. Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
4. Tor, Damian Tersugh

Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State (2 Judges)

1. Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
2. Igba, Theophilus Terhile

High Court of Rivers State (8 Judges)

1. Onyiri, Frank
2. Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
3. Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
4. Oguguo, Rita Chituru
5. Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
6. Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
7. Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
8. Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi

High Court of Ondo State (6 Judges)

1. Daomi, Williams Adebisi
2. Fabuluje, Adewumi William
3. Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu
4. Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
5. Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
6. Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola

Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja (1 Kadi)

1. Muhammad, Lawal Munir

All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in following the approval of the NJC’s recommendations by the President and their respective state governors.