Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), with a call to put in place measures to minimize the burden on the shoulder of the apex court.
He said that there are numerous cases before the Supreme Court which should have been terminated at the appellate court.
He stated this while addressing the people at a valedictory session held in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
He noted that 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.
The Justice further 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, with emphasis also on the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.
The event was held at the International Conference Centre Abuja, a few hours after the official retirement of Justice Ariwoola.
Vice President Kashim Shettima was among the dignitaries who attended the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Judging With Justice’, written in Ariwoola’s honour.
Other high-profile personalities at the occasion include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun 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.
Ariwoola’s Journey…
Ariwoola was appointed as acting CJN in June 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the sequel to the retirement of Justice Tanko Muhammad as a result of a health challenge. Ariwoola was then 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.
Ariwoola turned 70 today, August 22, 2024.
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