The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reached its full constitutional complement of 21 justices following the swearing-in of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a member of the apex court.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja while administering the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath to the new Justice.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the appointment as both a personal achievement for Justice Oyewole and a significant institutional milestone for the apex court.

She noted that the new Justice was assuming not just a higher office but a solemn trust at the pinnacle of the nation’s judicial system, emphasizing that the Supreme Court remains the final interpreter of the Constitution and the ultimate protector of citizens’ legal rights.

According to the CJN, the court’s attainment of its full complement is a major development that will strengthen its ability to constitute more robust panels, handle its caseload efficiently, and deliver judgments with greater speed and effectiveness.

“For a court whose pronouncements shape the legal destiny of the nation, numerical completeness is structurally significant to the effective discharge of our constitutional mandate,” she stated.

Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that elevation to the Supreme Court is not merely the peak of a distinguished legal career but the acceptance of a profound national responsibility. She added that the authority of the court is rooted not in coercion but in the moral force of its reasoning, the discipline of its processes, and the integrity of its justices.

The CJN commended Justice Oyewole’s judicial track record, highlighting his intellectual depth, disciplined scholarship, independence of thought, and clarity in judgment writing as essential qualities for service at the apex court, where decisions often have far-reaching implications.

She also underscored the importance of collegiality and independence among members of the bench, describing both as vital to the strength of the Supreme Court. Where differences arise, she urged the new Justice to dissent respectfully and precisely when necessary, noting that principled dissent can help shape future legal developments.

Justice Kekere-Ekun reminded him that the oaths taken represent a binding commitment requiring moral courage, restraint, and steadfastness, particularly under public scrutiny or external pressure.

She further acknowledged the constitutional roles of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission in ensuring that appointments to the apex court are guided by merit, integrity, competence, and appropriate judicial temperament.

Expressing confidence in the new Justice, the CJN said she believes Justice Oyewole will contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s jurisprudence and help reinforce public trust in the administration of justice.