A Deborah in the Temple of Justice
HON. JUSTICE EME EKONG
By Eme Arthur – Oso
History is enriched with the rare feats of women who have dared the odds to ascend the ladder of greatness, particularly in the macho dominated world of equity, justice and fair play. From the hallowed pages of ancient scripture to the contemporary Nigeria, remarkable women have risen, crowned not by earthly hand, but by heavenly purpose as radiant beacons of strength and wisdom . Their lives, like eternal flames, illuminate the path of humanity.
Centuries ago, there arose a Deborah, a judge and a mother in Israel who showed great courage, wisdom and commitment to the liberation of her people. Today, the kingdom is blessed with a woman whose endowment bespeaks the essence of a true Deborah – the Hon. Justice Princess Eme Daniel Ekong. She is robed not only in the regalia of justice but clothed with the mantle of authority. Her story is replete with grace and courage, wisdom and determination, much like her ancient counterpart who once sat beneath the palm tree dispensing justice, comfort and liberty to the oppressed.
In the Book of Judges, Deborah rises like a morning star in a dark season of Israel’s history. She is not merely a woman who leads; she is a woman called. Her voice, both prophetic and commanding, summons warriors to battle and hearts to repentance. As a judge, she holds the nation’s trust, as a prophetess, she channels heaven’s will. And as a mother in Israel, she nurtures a nation with unwavering love and resolve.
Her leadership is regal, not in title, but in character. She wears no crown, yet reigns with divine authority. Her strength is not born of ambition, but of obedience. She leads with a scepter of wisdom and a sword of truth, showing that true greatness flows from submission to God’s call.
In the modern day, amidst the shifting sands of contemporary leadership, stands Hon. Justice Princess Eme D. Ekong, a woman whose life and legacy mirror that sacred pattern. A distinguished jurist of repute and a revered apostolic voice, she moves with the dignity of royalty and the humility of a servant. Her courtroom is her palace of justice; her pulpit, a throne of divine counsel. As a wife and mother, she nurtures with tenderness; as a judge and apostle, she governs with divine discernment.
Her leadership is anointed, not assumed. Her robe signifies more than legal authority; it reflects a life surrendered to divine purpose. Her decisions are not swayed by popular opinion but anchored in righteousness. In Justice Ekong, the majesty of Deborah lives again, not through mimicry, but through a shared heavenly calling. Her presence commands both respect and reverence, not only because of her position, but because of the sacred virtues she embodies.
In a conversation with Quest Inspirational, she offered words worthy of the mantle she bears. When asked what advice she would give to Christian women aspiring to leadership, her response was both empowering and deeply spiritual:
“The first thing I would like to say is that they should believe in themselves. That’s the first thing. Believe in yourself—that it is possible to be a Christian woman and also be a leader. It looks as if it’s contradictory. People usually from afar think it’s not possible. But the first thing is even to have that desire, and then you walk towards it.
It’s actually the will of God, the plan of God for Christians to be in a position of leadership because that’s where integrity can be guaranteed. That’s where faith, fairness, and all the virtues you can think of leadership means humility. As a Christian you already have this. So when you come into leadership, it just plays out.
Being fair to all, working in integrity—you don’t need to be bribed. Corruption won’t even come to your mind because you know it’s a sin against God. As long as you want to maintain a good relationship with God, there’s no way you can be corrupt. Women leadership is good, and I’ll encourage as many as aspire to work towards it. So first believe in yourself and work on yourself, because you don’t need to get to a leadership position before you begin the journey to discover your potentials. You need to know who you are as a Christian, and all the virtues are already there. By the time you go out there, you sit in the position of leadership, it will just flow naturally. It plays out naturally in any role that you’re given to function.”
What unites Deborah and this modern Deborah is not just their brilliance, but their divine commission. Both ruled not for glory, but for God. Both led not from ambition, but from anointing. They remind us that the crown of leadership sits best upon heads bowed in prayer, and that the scepter of influence is safest in hands raised in surrender.
In a world desperate for principled leadership, their stories rise like incense fragrant with faith, filled with fire. They speak not only to women, but to all who would lead with courage, humility, and holiness.
Both Deborah and Hon. Justice Princess Eme D. Ekong dismantle the long-held notion that leadership and femininity must exist in tension.
With the poise of royalty and the precision of purpose, they exemplify how a woman can command with authority while carrying the quiet strength of grace. Their stories affirm that true leadership is not a rejection of womanhood, but a radiant expression of its power.
For Deborah and the Judge in Apostolic Robes are not merely leaders, they are daughters of destiny, mothers of nations, and queens in the courts of both man and God.
