Nigeria’s New Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun Reportedly Barred from US Over Controversial Imo Governorship Ruling

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recently appointed as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief Justice, is facing renewed scrutiny after reports surfaced that she was previously denied entry into the United States. The denial, reportedly linked to her involvement in a controversial Supreme Court ruling on the 2019 Imo State governorship election, was detailed in documents obtained by Daily Independent in 2023.

In January 2020, Justice Kekere-Ekun was part of a seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by former Chief Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, that overturned Emeka Ihedioha’s victory in the Imo governorship election. The ruling declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Ihedioha’s certificate of return and issue it to Uzodinma, who was sworn in as governor the following day.

The U.S. visa denial, communicated through a letter signed by American Consular Officer Jay M. Sorensen, cited “sanctioned activities” as the reason for barring Justice Kekere-Ekun. This incident was further highlighted when former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke, disclosed that several Nigerian judges had their visa applications rejected ahead of a Judges Conference in the U.S.

Despite the controversy, President Bola Tinubu recently administered the oath of office to Justice Kekere-Ekun at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, formally inaugurating her as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. However, her appointment is still subject to Senate confirmation. Until then, she will serve in an acting capacity.

The National Judicial Council (NJC), during its 106th meeting last week, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for the position. President Tinubu, who had been on a brief working visit to France, returned to Abuja on August 23, 2024, to oversee the inauguration ceremony.