Age is getting to know all the ways the world turns, so that if you cannot turn the world the way you want, you can at least get out of the way so you won’t get run over.
The above quote is by singer song-writer Miriam Makeba, whose words give credence to life and times of every human being; being able to maximize the opportunity of being alive with the prospect of overcoming the challenges one may face.
The iconic woman being celebrated today is Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN CFR, JSC (Nee Fasinro) was born on May 7, 1958 whose life and experiences are inspirational. She exemplifies …
Her academic journey led her to obtain an LL. B in 1980 from the University of Lagos and an LL.M from the London School of Economic and Political Science in November 1983. The legal fraternity welcomed her as she was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July 1981, marking the commencement of her impactful career.
Embarking on a diverse professional path, from 1985 to 1989, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun thrived in private practice before receiving a prestigious appointment as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989. Her dedication and legal acumen earned her further recognition, leading to her appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996. During this period, she notably served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999, showcasing her commitment to justice and the rule of law.
The trajectory of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s illustrious career saw her elevation to the Court of Appeal on 22nd September 2004. Her service extended across various divisions of the Court, and she assumed the role of presiding Justice of two Divisions (Makurdi & Aku) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The pinnacle of her judicial journey came with her elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5th female Justice of the Court, a historic moment marked by her swearing-in on Monday, 8 July 2023.
Beyond her legal duties, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun has actively pursued knowledge through numerous courses and seminars, both within and outside Nigeria. Her excellence in the legal field has not gone unnoticed, as she has received several merit awards, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the legal community.
Notably, she holds the esteemed position of a life Bencher and is a proud member and current President of the International Association of Women Judges, adding another layer to her distinguished career. In her personal life, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun finds joy in marriage and parenthood, balancing her professional achievements with a fulfilling family life.
