When it comes to leading judiciaries globally, there is a new dawn of African women judges on a winning streak. Last month, South Africa appointed its first female chief justice. This month, Nigeria has sworn in its second female chief justice - Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun. This significant event marks a crucial step towards African women in judicial leadership, as Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun joins the increasing list of women chief justices across the continent.
Africa’s record as the continent leading with the highest number of women chief justices and presidents of constitutional courts, Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment signals the intentional and significant strides African countries are making to achieve gender parity in judicial leadership. In their study of this emerging trend of female chief justices across the continent, Dawuni & Kang (2015) provide five primary factors to explain this progressive and incremental feminization of Africa’s topmost judicial leadership position. Furthermore, Dawuni & Masengu (2020) capture the gendered aspects of judicial appointments in a comparative study of Nigeria and Zambia.
The Institute for African Women in Law team extends our heartfelt congratulations to Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun. We celebrate this significant milestone in your career and pledge our unwavering support as you embark on this new chapter. We are confident that your tenure will bring about positive changes and further revolutionize Nigeria’s judiciary and justice system.
Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun’s judicial career is a testament to her dedication and expertise, spanning over three decades. Her journey began in 1989 when she was appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II by the Lagos State Judiciary. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ranks, making significant contributions to the judiciary. Her service on various judicial committees and tribunals, and her membership in the committee that drafted the 2004 High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, are just a few examples of her impactful work. Notably, her work with the drafting committee introduced innovative concepts such as the front-loading concept, pre-trial conference in case management, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, all aimed at expediting justice delivery. With a reputation for integrity and hard work, we are confident she will uphold the judiciary's integrity.
The Institute for African Women in Law extends our heartfelt congratulations to Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun! We celebrate this significant milestone in her career and pledge our unwavering support as she embarks on this new leadership role.