Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography: Wikipedia, Age, State Of Origin, Religion, Husband, Son, Parents, Family, Children, Education, Legal Career
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Biography
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, is a prominent Nigerian jurist and the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, a role she assumed on August 22, 2024. With a legal career that spans over four decades, she has made notable contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Age
As of 2024, Kudirat Kekere Ekun is 66 years old. She was born on May 7, 1958.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun State of Origin
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun hails from Lagos State, Nigeria.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Religion
Justice Kudirat Kerere -Ekun is a practicing Muslim.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Husband
kudirat Kerere Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Son
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun’s son is Abdul Adewale Kekere-Ekun.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Parents
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the daughter of the late Justice Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin and Mrs. Raliat Ololade Babalakin.
Her father, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin, was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s judiciary, serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was known for his integrity, dedication to the rule of law, and significant contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria. Mrs. Raliat Ololade Babalakin, her mother, also played a crucial role in shaping the values and character of her children, supporting their education and professional growth.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Family
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun comes from a distinguished family with strong ties to the legal profession.
- Father: Her father, Justice Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin, was a respected Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His legacy in the judiciary has had a lasting impact on Nigerian law and influenced Justice Kekere-Ekun’s own career in the legal field.
- Mother: Mrs. Raliat Ololade Babalakin, her mother, was a supportive and nurturing presence in the family, encouraging her children to pursue excellence in their respective fields.
- Husband: Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Abdul Adewale Kekere-Ekun.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Children
Among her children, her son has gained some public attention. However, specific details about her children are largely kept private, reflecting the family’s preference for maintaining a low profile in their personal lives.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Education
Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her early education took place in Nigeria, where she attended St. Mary’s School in Lagos for her primary education and Queen’s College in Yaba, Lagos, for her secondary education. Displaying an early aptitude for law, she pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1980. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, officially beginning her journey in the legal profession. Eager to deepen her legal knowledge, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the prestigious London School of Economics in 1983.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Legal Career
Justice Kekere-Ekun commenced her legal career as a State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in 1982. In this role, she gained extensive experience handling a wide range of legal matters, contributing to the foundation of her legal expertise. She served in this capacity until 1989, after which she transitioned into private legal practice. Her work in the private sector further honed her skills, preparing her for future roles in the judiciary.
In 1996, Kekere-Ekun was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State, marking the beginning of her judicial career. Her reputation for fairness, diligence, and a deep understanding of the law quickly grew, leading to her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2004. During her tenure at the Court of Appeal, she delivered numerous significant judgments, solidifying her status as a respected figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Supreme Court Appointment and Notable Judgments
In July 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun reached a new milestone in her career when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This appointment further established her as one of the leading legal minds in the country. Among the many important cases she has presided over, one of the most notable was the 2020 judgment that declared Hope Uzodinma the winner of the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election. This controversial ruling demonstrated her influence and the critical role she plays in shaping the legal landscape of Nigeria.
Chief Justice of Nigeria
On August 22, 2024, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Her ascension to this position represents the pinnacle of her career, reflecting her unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. As Chief Justice, she continues to inspire and lead by example, playing a crucial role in maintaining the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Recognition and Awards
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the legal profession have been widely recognized. In October 2022, she was honored with the Nigerian national award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. This prestigious award is a testament to her outstanding service and dedication to the advancement of justice in Nigeria.
Legacy and Influence
Throughout her distinguished career, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and excellence in the legal field. Her journey from a young law graduate to the Chief Justice of Nigeria serves as an inspiration to many, especially women in the legal profession. Her legacy is characterized by her dedication to upholding the law, her significant contributions to landmark legal decisions, and her role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Wikipedia
- Full Name: Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun
- Date of Birth: May 7, 1958
- Place of Birth: London, United Kingdom
- State of Origin: Lagos State, Nigeria
- Religion: Islam
- Education:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Lagos (1980)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics (1983)
- Career:
- 1982: Began her legal career as a State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
- 1996: Appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State.
- 2004: Elevated to the Court of Appeal.
- 2013: Appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
- August 22, 2024: Appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
- Awards and Honors:
- Conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.