CJN Ariwoola Bows Out, Says Supreme Court Overburdened.

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who has been a vocal advocate for reforms to reduce the Supreme Court’s workload, announced his retirement as CJN on Thursday.

He went on to say that the number of cases that have made it to the Supreme Court from the appellate court is excessive.

Justice Ariwoola made these remarks during a farewell session held in his honour at the Abuja Supreme Court. He claimed that the availability of justice is a major factor in the protracted waiting times for case decisions, which might last for years for both parties involved.

The right to a fair hearing can only be guaranteed by Justice Ariwoola when the waiting times for lawyers and plaintiffs are reduced.

In addition, he emphasised how important it is for the bench to have additional judicial officers so that cases can be decided promptly.

Justice Tanko Muhammad resigned in June 2022 due to health reasons, and President Muhammadu Buhari selected Ariwoola to fill in for him as acting CJN. In October of that year, Ariwoola was sworn in after the Senate had approved his appointment.

Ariwoola was appointed to the position of Justice by the Nigerian Supreme Court in 2011. From 2005 till 2011, he was a Justice of the Court of Appeal after being elevated from Oyo State’s State High Court.

Ile Ife’s University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) was his legal education, and he graduated with honours in July 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in law. Ariwoola became a solicitor after being called to the bar in July 1981 and registered at Nigeria’s highest court.

On August 22, 2024, Ariwoola surpassed the age of 70.

At the same time, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been nominated by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to President Bola Tinubu for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.