Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment to strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kayode Oyewole on Wednesday in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the critical role of discipline, ethical integrity and collective wisdom in the work of the apex court.
She urged Justice Oyewole to contribute to the coherence of the court’s decisions and the clarity of constitutional interpretation.
“Your elevation reflects the confidence placed in you by the institutions you serve and, by extension, by the Nigerian people. The oaths you have taken are a covenant, binding in both conscience and law,” she said.
The CJN emphasised the demands of high-level adjudication, including moral courage when decisions are unpopular, restraint during heated deliberations and steadfastness in the face of external pressure.
She reminded the new justice that judicial independence requires decisions to be made free from fear, favour, affection or ill will.
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Kekere-Ekun also encouraged principled dissent where convictions differ among justices, describing it as essential to the growth and development of jurisprudence.
Highlighting the significance of Justice Oyewole’s appointment, the CJN noted that the Supreme Court now operates at its full constitutional complement.
“A full bench enhances our capacity to sit in robust panels, manage our docket efficiently and ensure that the business of the nation’s apex court proceeds with renewed vigour,” she said.
She added that a complete bench strengthens intellectual diversity, reinforces jurisprudential stability and ensures that Supreme Court judgments continue to shape the legal framework for generations.
“The authority of this court rests not on force, but on the integrity of its reasoning, the discipline of its processes and the character of those privileged to serve on its bench,” Kekere-Ekun said.
“At this level, the judicial role transcends dispute resolution. It requires stewardship, careful management of precedent, principled development of the law and unwavering adherence to constitutional supremacy.”
The CJN further stated that justices must have the courage to uphold settled doctrine when stability demands it, and the wisdom to refine it when justice and constitutional fidelity require.
