As the sun rose over Lagos on May 7, 1958, little did anyone know that a future pillar of Nigeria’s judiciary had just been born. Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun entered the world with a piercing cry that seemed to foretell the powerful voice she would one day have in the halls of justice.
The Early Years: Foundations of Excellence
Growing up in the vibrant city of Lagos, young Kudirat was a curious child with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Her father, Hon. Justice B. O. Kekere-Ekun, often found her in his study, tiny hands struggling to lift hefty law books. “Papa, what does ‘jurisdiction’ mean?” she’d ask, her eyes wide with wonder. Her father would chuckle, amazed at his daughter’s precociousness, and patiently explain legal concepts in terms a child could understand.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun mother, Alhaja Amudalat Kekere-Ekun, played an equally crucial role in shaping her character. A devout Muslim, she instilled in Kudirat a strong moral compass and a deep sense of empathy. “Remember, my child,” she’d say, gently stroking Kudirat’s hair, “true justice comes from understanding others, not just from books.”
School days at Queen’s College were a whirlwind of experiences for Kudirat. She wasn’t just academically gifted; she was a force to be reckoned with in debates. Her classmates would often tease, “Here comes the future lawyer!” little knowing how prophetic their words would prove.
One particular memory stood out from those days. During a heated debate competition, Kudirat found herself facing off against the school’s reigning champion. As she stood at the podium, her heart racing, she caught sight of her parents in the audience. Her father gave an encouraging nod, while her mother mouthed a silent prayer. Drawing strength from their presence, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun delivered an impassioned argument that left the audience spellbound. That day, she not only won the debate but also discovered her true calling.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Early Career: Laying the Groundwork
University life at the University of Lagos brought its own set of challenges and triumphs. Kudirat burned the midnight oil, poring over case laws and legal theories. Her roommate, Amina, would often find her asleep at her desk, face pressed against open books. “Kudi,” Amina would say, gently shaking her awake, “you can’t change the world if you don’t get some sleep!”
But it wasn’t all work and no play. Kudirat found joy in the university’s choir, her rich alto voice blending harmoniously with others. Music became her escape, a way to balance the intensity of her studies. Years later, she would confess that some of her best legal ideas came to her while singing.
Graduation day in 1980 was a bittersweet affair. As Kudirat stood proudly in her gown, LL.B degree in hand, she felt a mix of elation and trepidation. The legal world awaited, but was she ready? Her father, sensing her nervousness, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Remember,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “the law is not just about statutes and precedents. It’s about people. Never forget the human element.”
Those words would stay with Kudirat throughout her career, guiding her decisions and shaping her approach to justice.
Her time at the London School of Economics was an eye-opening experience. Away from the familiar sights and sounds of Lagos, Kudirat initially felt like a fish out of water. The cold London weather chilled her to the bones, and the fast-paced city life was a far cry from what she was used to. Yet, it was here that Kudirat Kekere-Ekun truly grew, both as a legal mind and as a person.
One rainy afternoon, feeling particularly homesick, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun found herself in a small café near the LSE campus. As she sipped her tea, she overheard a heated discussion at the next table about international law. Without thinking, she joined in, offering insights from a Nigerian perspective. The group, initially surprised, welcomed her input enthusiastically. That impromptu discussion group would become a regular fixture, broadening Kudirat’s horizons and helping her forge lifelong friendships.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Ascent to the High Court: A New Chapter
Returning to Nigeria with her LL.M, Kudirat was eager to put her knowledge into practice. Her early years in private practice were a rollercoaster of emotions. The thrill of winning her first case was matched only by the crushing disappointment of losing ones she thought were ironclad. Each experience, however, taught her valuable lessons.
One case, in particular, left a lasting impact. Kudirat was defending a young man accused of theft. As she delved deeper into the case, she realized that the accused was not guilty but had been framed by his employer. The night before the final hearing, Kudirat couldn’t sleep. The weight of responsibility – knowing that an innocent man’s future rested in her hands – was almost overwhelming. When the “not guilty” verdict was announced, Kudirat felt a surge of emotion so strong she had to excuse herself from the courtroom. It was moments like these that reaffirmed her belief in the power of justice.
Her appointment as a Senior Magistrate in 1989 brought new challenges. Now, Kudirat Kekere-Ekunwas not just arguing cases but deciding them. The transition wasn’t easy. Kudirat often found herself lying awake at night, replaying cases in her mind, wondering if she had made the right decisions. It was during this time that she started her habit of early morning swims. The rhythmic strokes and the solitude of the pool provided clarity, helping her approach each day with renewed focus.
As she rose through the ranks – from High Court Judge to Justice of the Court of Appeal, and finally to the Supreme Court – Kudirat never lost sight of the human aspect of law. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was known for her patience in court, often taking the time to explain complex legal concepts to litigants who couldn’t afford lawyers. Her colleagues sometimes joked that she ran “the friendliest courtroom in Nigeria,” but behind the jest was deep respect for her approach.
Her personal life was not without its challenges. Balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities tested her resolve many times. There were missed school plays and family dinners cut short by urgent cases. But through it all, her husband, Akin, stood by her side. “You’re changing the world, my love,” he’d say on particularly tough days, “one judgment at a time.”
The day Kudirat was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2024 was a culmination of decades of hard work and dedication. As she took the oath, her mind flashed back to that little girl in Lagos, struggling to understand big legal words. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun thought of her parents, no longer with her but whose teachings had guided her every step. She thought of every case, every late night, every difficult decision that had led to this moment.
Looking out at the sea of faces – colleagues, family, friends, and ordinary Nigerians who had come to witness history – Kudirat Kekere-Ekun felt a lump in her throat. This was more than a personal achievement; it was a responsibility to an entire nation. As she began her speech, her voice cracked with emotion, “I stand here today, not as an individual, but as a servant of justice and of the Nigerian people…”
Today, as she continues to lead the Nigerian judiciary, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun remains the same curious, compassionate, and dedicated individual she’s always been. Whether she’s mentoring young lawyers, playing the piano to unwind, or swimming laps in the early morning hours, she approaches each aspect of her life with the same zeal and integrity that has defined her remarkable journey.
In the corridors of power, she’s known as the Chief Justice. But to those who know her best, she’s still Kudi – the girl from Lagos who dared to dream big and worked tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.