Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, blocked from U.S. for ‘sanctioned activities’, emerges Chief Justice of Nigeria

Following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, August 23, sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Kekere-Ekun however was in 2023 denied entry to the United States following a 2020 controversial judgement that declared APC’s Hope Uzodimma as Imo governor.

It will be recalled that a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko had nullified the governorship election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the exercise.

According to a report by Daily Independent, a letter signed by Jay M. Sorensen, American Consular officer at Abuja, indicated that Kekere-Ekun’s visa was denied US Embassy based on “sanctioned activities”.

Kekere-Ekun would be the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria if the Senate confirms her appointment.

The new acting Chief Justice has taken the oath of office and signed the oath register at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

Kekere-Ekun succeeds retired Justice Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, and retired from office after attaining the mandatory age of 70 years.