Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola Retires, Calls for Urgent Judicial Reforms

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has finally retired from the bench, ending an illustrious legal career that began when he was called to the bar as a young lawyer in 1981.

After serving as a judge in Oyo State and then Justice of the Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2011, he joined the Supreme Court later that year and was appointed CJN in 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

At a glamorous event inside the apex court chamber this afternoon, Thursday, August 22, Justice Ariwoola said during a valedictory session in his honor that there are too many cases before the apex court that ought to have terminated at the appellate court.

He said access to justice has contributed largely to the delay in hearing cases, as litigants and lawyers are forced to wait several years for their cases to be decided.

Breaking: Justice Olukayode Ariwoola retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria pic.twitter.com/BBNsSQsWRf

— TVC News (@tvcnewsng) August 22, 2024

Justice Ariwoola explained that the right to a fair hearing is impeded when lawyers and litigants have to wait long for their cases to be heard.

Justice Ariwoola’s parting words also served as a call to action, stressing the urgent need for the bench to be bolstered with more judicial officers. He believes this is a prerequisite for adjudicating on all matters timely.

The event also included the public presentation of a book titled Judging With Justice, written in his honor, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja shortly after his official retirement.

Among the distinguished guests were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who the National Judicial Council recommended succeeding Justice Ariwoola. Justices from both the Supreme and Appeal Courts also attended the occasion.

Mr. Ariwoola is to be replaced by Justice Kekere-Ekun, who should be Nigeria’s second CJN in history. Her appointment is awaiting legislative approval.