New CJN Kekere-Ekun’s Landmark Judgments: From Imo To Rivers, Osun

Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday by President Bola Tinubu, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

She is the second female Justice to hold this esteemed position.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been at the forefront of several landmark judgments that have significantly influenced Nigeria’s legal landscape. Her rulings have often shaped political outcomes and expanded the scope of public interest litigation.

Notably, her judgments in cases like the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election, the Osun State governorship dispute, and the Rivers State election controversy have left a lasting impact on the interpretation of electoral laws and the protection of democratic processes in Nigeria.

1. Hope Uzodimma v. Emeka Ihedioha (2019 Imo State Gubernatorial Election):

Hope Uzodinma v. Emeka Ihedioha (2019 Imo State Gubernatorial Election): Justice Kekere-Ekun led the Supreme Court judgment that declared Uzodinma the winner, based on the inclusion of results from 388 polling units that had previously been excluded. This controversial decision was delivered in January 2020.

2. Adeleke v. Oyetola (Osun State Governorship Election)

This case involved the Osun State governorship election dispute between Senator Ademola Adeleke and Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Adeleke challenged the election results, alleging irregularities and misconduct. Justice Kekere-Ekun, was part of the panel of justices that affirmed the election of Gboyega Oyetola as the governor of Osun State, dismissing the appeal filed by Adeleke. The Supreme Court’s decision was based on the failure of the appellant to prove substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.

3. Nyesom Wike v. Dakuku Peterside (2015 Rivers State Governorship Election):

Justice Kekere-Ekun was part of the Supreme Court panel that upheld Nyesom Wike’s election as the governor of Rivers State, dismissing Peterside’s appeal and affirming the election’s compliance with the law.

The court dismissed the appeal filed by Peterside, affirming that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the law. Kekere-Ekun held that While the Electoral Commission is duly conferred with powers to issue regulations, guidelines or manuals by the Electoral Act, so long as an act or omission regarding such regulations or guidelines is not contrary to the provisions of the Act itself, it shall not of itself be a ground for questioning the election. She held that the use of the card reader has not done away with manual accreditation provided under

Biography:

Born on May 7, 1958, in Lagos State, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her education at St. Mary’s School in Lagos and later attended Queens College, Yaba, Lagos for her secondary education. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Lagos in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after completing her program at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. She furthered her education with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983.

Early Career:

Justice Kekere-Ekun started her legal career as a State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice from 1982 to 1989, where she was involved in drafting legal opinions, prosecuting cases, and representing the state in various legal matters. She later moved into private practice, where she expanded her experience in different areas of law.

In 1996, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State, presiding over numerous cases. Her judicial career advanced significantly in 2004 when she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal, she delivered several significant judgments and contributed to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence.

Supreme Court Appointment:

On June 8, 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the highest court in the country. Her appointment was widely praised, and she has served with distinction, participating in landmark decisions that have shaped the Nigerian legal landscape.