Tinubu to swear in new CJN as Ariwoola retires
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu to swear in new CJN as Ariwoola retires
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu congratulated Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on his retirement as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on his 70th birthday, on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Tinubu in a congratulatory statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday, confirmed that he will swear in another CNJ on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the State House Council Chambers.
Tinubu commended Ariwoola’s impactive leadership and his efforts to enhance the country’s judiciary system.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law. The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
Meanwhile, by convention, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, is expected to succeed Ariwoola in an acting capacity until the National Judicial Council recommends a substantive CJN to the President for nomination and Senate confirmation.
However, Ariwoola’s tenure saw the appointment of 11 new Supreme Court Justices, filling vacancies and bringing the court to its full complement of 21 Justices as required by law.
During his time as CJN, Ariwoola oversaw significant judicial reforms and efforts to combat corruption, earning him admiration within the legal community.
Ariwoola began his legal career working as a Counsel in-Chambers of Chief Ladosu Ladapo (SAN) before establishing his own law firm in Oyo town. He was appointed a Judge of the Oyo State Judiciary in 1992 and elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2005.
He also served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011 and he was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022.
