Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola faces mounting criticism over allegations of nepotism as his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola, emerges as the latest nominee for a judgeship on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
Documents and judiciary sources reveal a pattern of familial appointments and promotions within the judiciary, raising concerns about impartiality and fairness.
According to sources, He has been actively lobbying to secure positions for his family members and loyalists before his mandatory retirement in August 2024. He has already elevated his son and younger brother to prominent judicial roles, alongside other relatives placed in key positions across the judiciary bureaucracy.
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The nomination of Ariwoola’s daughter, a junior magistrate with only three years of experience, has sparked outrage among judiciary workers and observers. Critics question her qualifications and assert that her nomination undermines the principles of meritocracy and transparency.
Despite requests for clarification, both him and the Supreme Court have remained silent on the matter. However, an anonymous judiciary source alleges that the nomination was a personal request from the CJN to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, prompting concerns about the judiciary’s independence.