A valedictory session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently ongoing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory for the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ariwoola as acting CJN in June 2022 following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds.
Justice Ariwoola 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. The event brought together eminent legal Practitioners from the Bar and Bench across Nigeria. On his remark, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as an outstanding jurist, a communal Personality, who prioritize the need of the people.
Fagbemi added that the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria has left and indelible mark in the sand of the Judiciary sector in the country through his numerous and outstanding contributions to the legal profession. He said present administration under Tinubu remain committed to changing the narrative in the judicial sector and place it as the best in the global community.
Other Speakers at the event equally eulogized the contributions of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to legal profession and political development in Nigeria.
The outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife and bagged his bachelor of laws degree with honors in July 1980. In July 1981, Ariwoola was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor. Ariwoola today turn 70, and under him the Supreme Court of Nigeria attained its full status.
