CJN Kekere-Ekun to Swear In Justice Oyewole as Supreme Court Justice Wednesday

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, swear in Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, according to an official notice issued on Monday.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja at 2:00 p.m. The event will formally elevate Justice Oyewole to the bench of the apex court, where he is expected to participate in the adjudication of constitutional, electoral, and other high-profile matters.

Justice Oyewole’s appointment comes at a time when the Supreme Court has experienced a reduction in its complement of justices following the retirement of several members who reached the constitutionally mandated retirement age. Judicial sources say the swearing-in is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the court’s capacity and maintain efficiency in handling its caseload.

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The Supreme Court, Nigeria’s highest judicial authority, plays a decisive role in interpreting the Constitution and settling disputes with far-reaching legal and political implications. Legal analysts note that replenishing the bench is critical to ensuring timely delivery of judgments and preserving public confidence in the justice system.

Justice Oyewole, who has served in various judicial capacities, is widely regarded within legal circles as an experienced jurist. His elevation is expected to contribute to the depth of expertise on the Supreme Court bench, particularly as the court continues to address complex appeals from lower courts across the federation.

The swearing-in ceremony will be attended by senior judicial officers, members of the bar, government officials, and other dignitaries. Such inaugurations are traditionally marked by formal proceedings underscoring the significance of the judiciary’s independence and continuity.

The recent retirements had sparked conversations within the legal community about the need for timely appointments to avoid delays in the hearing of cases. With a growing docket that includes commercial disputes, criminal appeals, and constitutional questions, maintaining a full bench has been described as essential.

Observers say the appointment also reflects the judiciary’s commitment to institutional renewal, ensuring that vacancies created by retirements are promptly filled in line with constitutional provisions.

The Supreme Court has in recent years faced increased scrutiny over the volume and sensitivity of cases before it, reinforcing the importance of a robust and adequately staffed bench.

Wednesday’s ceremony will officially mark Justice Oyewole’s assumption of office, adding to the number of justices tasked with shaping Nigeria’s evolving jurisprudence and safeguarding the rule of law.