Justice Olukayode Ariwoola officially retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Thursday, highlighting the pressing need for reforms to reduce the heavy workload burdening the Supreme Court.
Speaking at a valedictory session in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Ariwoola expressed concern over the overwhelming number of cases that reach the apex court, many of which, he noted, should have concluded at the appellate level.
“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,” Ariwoola emphasized, pointing out that the delay in hearing cases is largely due to the easy access to justice, which results in a backlog of cases.
He further stressed the importance of increasing the number of judicial officers to ensure timely adjudication of matters, underscoring the need for the judiciary to evolve to meet the demands of justice.
According to Channels TV, Justice Ariwoola’s tenure as CJN began in June 2022 when then-President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as acting CJN following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds.
He was confirmed by the Senate and officially sworn in as CJN in October 2022.
Ariwoola’s illustrious career saw him rise from being a Justice of the Court of Appeal (2005-2011) to his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2011.
He began his legal journey with a law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, and was called to the Bar in July 1981.
On his 70th birthday today, August 22, 2024, Justice Ariwoola steps down from the bench, leaving behind a call for critical reforms in Nigeria’s judiciary.
In the meantime, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the next CJN.
