The National Judicial Council (NJC) is scheduled to meet on Friday, August 16, to decide on the successor of the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Justice Ariwoola is set to retire on August 22 upon reaching the age of 70, as per the mandatory retirement age.
An inside source at the Supreme Court revealed that the NJC will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss and finalize the nomination for the next CJN.
The chosen candidate’s name will then be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
As of now, no name has been sent to the President, and the NJC meeting is yet to take place.
Traditionally, the next most senior Justice at the Supreme Court is likely to succeed as the CJN.
Based on the hierarchy, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Justice at the apex court and is a probable successor.
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Upon Justice Ariwoola’s retirement, the Supreme Court arranged a valedictory session to honour his service to the country.
According to Section 231 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court will succeed as the new CJN. Therefore, Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to assume the role.
If appointed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following Justice Aloma Mukhtar who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
At 66 years old, if confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will serve as CJN until 2028, when she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has a comprehensive legal background, starting her career in private practice in 1985 and subsequently serving in various judicial capacities before her elevation to the Supreme Court in July 2023.
