At 70 Years Of Age, Ariwoola Retires As Chief Justice Of Nigeria

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Ariwoola retired after he turned 70 year of age on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

The former CJN called for measures to be put in place to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.

He explained that there are too many cases before the apex court which ought to have been terminated at the appellate court.

Justice Ariwoola stated this at a valedictory session in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

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

Justice Ariwoola explained that the right to a fair hearing can only be guaranteed when lawyers and litigants do not have to wait for so long to have their cases heard.

He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was among dignitaries who attended the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Judging With Justice’, written in Ariwoola’s honour.

The event was held at the International Conference Centre Abuja, a few hours after the official retirement of Justice Ariwoola.

Guests at the occasion include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike; and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was recommended to President Bola Tinubu by the National Judicial Council to take over from Justice Ariwoola, as well as Justices of the Supreme and Appeal Courts.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ariwoola as acting CJN in June 2022 following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds. He was subsequently sworn in October of the same year following his confirmation by the Senate.

Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011. He was a Justice of the Court of Appeal between 2005 and 2011 after having been elevated from the State High Court of Oyo State.

He studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife and bagged his bachelor of laws degree with honours in July 1980. In July 1981, Ariwoola was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor.