Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
His retirement was marked by a valedictory session held in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja, where he reflected on his tenure and the challenges faced by the judiciary.
During the session, Justice Ariwoola emphasised the need for improved access to justice, highlighting that delays in hearing cases have significantly contributed to the backlog of cases in the courts.
He noted that the right to a fair hearing can only be upheld when cases are heard promptly, without prolonged waiting periods for litigants and lawyers.
Justice Ariwoola’s legal career began in 1981 when he was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor.
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He served as a Justice of the Oyo State High Court before being elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2005. In 2011, he was appointed to the Supreme Court bench and subsequently became the substantive CJN in June 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
As Justice Ariwoola steps down, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is expected to be named as his successor. Sources indicate that she will be sworn in on Friday.
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