By By Muminat Ajide
Since Nigeria gained independence, the role of Chief Justice has been crucial in shaping the nation’s legal system. Each Chief Justice, from Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola to Chief Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo, has played a significant role in interpreting laws and ensuring justice prevails.
The honours and titles accompanying their names denote their distinguished service: KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), GCON (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger), PC (Privy Counsellor), SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), QC (Queen’s Counsel), and CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
Below are the list of the chief justice of Nigeria from independence till present day according to the National Jucial council of Nigeria
- 1. Omoba Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola, KBE, GCON, PC, SANOmoba Ademola was a Nigerian judge and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (1958-1972). Prior to his tenure as Chief Justice, he served as Chief Justice of the Western Region of Nigeria. He played a crucial role in establishing the Nigerian Law School, the country’s first. Notably, in the case of Lakanmi vs the Attorney General of Nigeria, he affirmed the Nigerian courts’ authority to review military decrees.
2. Taslim Olawale Elias, GCON
He was a Nigerian jurist who served as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Nigeria from 1960 to 1966, Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1972 to 1975, and President of the International Court of Justice from 1982 to 1985. Elias passed away on 14 August 1991, in Lagos, Nigeria.
3. Sir Darnley Arthur Alexander, QC, CBE, GCON, SAN was a Nigerian jurist who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979. He began his judicial career as a judge in the Lagos High Court and later served as Chief Justice of South Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom states). His appointment as Chief Justice in 1975 was notable, given his seniority among his peers.
4. Chief Atanda Fatai Williams, GCON
Chief Atanda Fatai Williams was a Nigerian jurist and Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. He started his judicial career as a judge in the Western Region and later served in various capacities, including on the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He became Chief Justice in 1979, succeeding Sir Darnley Alexander.
5. George Sodeinde Sowemimo, GCON
Sodeide Wemimo was Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1983 to 1985. He succeeded Atanda Fatai Williams as Chief Justice in 1983 and retired in 1985 upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 65. Notably, he presided over the Treasonable Felony trial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and twenty-six associates.
6. Ayo Gabriel Irikefe, GCON
Ayo was Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1985 to 1987. He became a member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers in 1985 and was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria the same year, succeeding George Sodeinde Sowemimo.
7. Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello, GCON,
Justice Mohammed Bello was the first Northern Chief Justice of Nigeria (1987–1995). He assumed office as Chief Justice in 1987 and focused on upholding the rule of law while attempting to curb the military’s influence in judicial matters.
8. Mohammed Lawal Uwais, GCON
Mohammed served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006. Prior to this, he held positions as a Judge of the High Court and later Chief Judge of Kaduna State. He was known for his tenure as Chief Justice and as Chairman of the National Judicial Council.
9. Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, GCON
Alfa Belgore served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2006 to 2007. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1986 and held various judicial positions before his appointment as Chief Justice, which he held until his retirement in January 2007.
10. Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON
Idris Legbo served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2007 to 2009. He served in various judicial capacities before his appointment as Chief Justice and is noted for his reforms in the judiciary, including amending the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.
11. Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu, GCON
Aloysius served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2009 to 2011. He was sworn in as Chief Justice following a unique ceremony, administered by his predecessor, due to the unavailability of the President. He later continued to serve as a high court judge until his passing in 2018.
12. Dahiru Babura Musdapher, GCON CFR
He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2011 to 2012. He previously served as Chief Judge of the High Court of Kano State and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2003. His tenure as Chief Justice ended upon his retirement in 2012.
13. Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON
She was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from July 2012 to November 2014. She was the first female lawyer from Northern Nigeria, serving as a trailblazer in various judicial roles before her appointment as Chief Justice.
14. Mahmud Mohammed, GCON
Mahmud served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2014 to 2016. He succeeded Aloma Mariam Mukhtar in November 2014 and served until 2016.
15. Hon. Mr. Justice Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON
He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2017 to 2019. He was appointed following a nomination and confirmation process, but his tenure was cut short due to allegations of false asset declaration, leading to his conviction in 2019.
16. Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, GCON served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022, citing health reasons amidst allegations of corruption and misappropriation of judicial funds.
17.Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON
Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2022 to 2024. He previously served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in several divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court.
18. Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo, CFR
Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo, CFR popularly known as Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, appointed on 22 August 2024 and sworn in on the 30th of September. She is the second woman to hold this position and the first from the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
