The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has praised the South African Constitutional Court for its unwavering commitment to constitutional values, judicial independence, and transformative justice, as the court marks its 30th anniversary.
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Speaking in Johannesburg during the commemoration event, Justice Kekere-Ekun lauded the court for its “fearless adjudication, judicial independence, and unwavering fidelity to constitutional values,” stating that it had emerged as a beacon of hope and justice following the end of apartheid.
“Three decades ago, this Court emerged as a beacon of justice and constitutional renewal in a country that had chosen, with courage and conviction, the path of democracy, equality, and the rule of law,” she said.
According to her, the South African Constitutional Court has consistently demonstrated how law can serve as a tool for healing, accountability, and the advancement of human dignity. “In this Court’s jurisprudence, we have witnessed the power of law to heal a nation, to confront injustice, and to advance human dignity,” she stated.
She acknowledged that the court’s work resonates far beyond South Africa’s borders and has significantly influenced democratic and judicial developments across Africa, including Nigeria. “The Nigerian judiciary has drawn deep inspiration from the South African Constitutional Court’s pioneering decisions and principled stance in defence of democratic ideals,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the court’s legacy underscores the critical role of constitutional courts not only in dispute resolution but also in the broader mission of nation-building and social transformation. “Your work reminds us all that constitutional courts play a vital role not just in resolving disputes, but in shaping just societies,” she added.
Highlighting the philosophical and moral significance of the court’s decisions, she observed that its rulings affirm that a constitution is more than a legal framework — it is a living expression of a people’s collective will and aspirations.
“The Court’s landmark judgments continue to echo far beyond South Africa’s borders, affirming that the Constitution is not merely a legal document, but the living embodiment of the people’s collective will and aspirations,” she remarked.
Justice Kekere-Ekun concluded by describing the 30-year milestone as a testament to the enduring influence of the Constitutional Court. “This anniversary is a powerful affirmation that the Constitutional Court remains a beacon of constitutionalism and judicial excellence on the African continent,” she said.
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