President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as its 23rd Chief Justice of the Federation, marking a notable milestone. The nation celebrates the appointment of its second female Chief Justice in history, following Mariam Aloma Mukhtar.
Her appointment follows the National Judicial Council’s suggestion due to the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who stepped down upon reaching the retirement age of 70 years.
This historical appointment, announced by President Bola Tinubu, is viewed as a significant stride towards promoting gender equality within the nation’s highest judicial office.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is also a recipient of numerous awards and a member of several professional associations, including the National Association of Women Judges and the International Association of Women Judges. She is a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the International Dispute Resolution Institute.
But should this achievement be praised?
Justice Kudirat’s elevation to the highest judicial position is expected to influence key legal reforms and further strengthen the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system. However, Justice Kudirat Kekere—Ekun is alleged to have murky records with the United States, which was brought to light following her visa denial to the United States.
This development sparked a heated debate among citizens and legal experts, with many questioning the motives behind the visa denial and its potential implications on international relations.
The United States government rejected the visa application of Ms. Kekere-Ekun, who was among a panel of justices that sacked PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha from the Imo governorship seat and pronounced Mr Uzodimma winner of the hotly-contested polls, according to Daily Independent.
The contents of the rejection letter to Justice Kekere-Ekun signed by Jay M. Sorensen, American Consular Officer at Abuja, citing “sanctioned activities” as the reason for the visa denial, have fueled further speculations and discussions on the matter.
