Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Justice Ariwoola, who was appointed as acting CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2022, retired after attaining the age of 70 years on Thursday.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) had, on August 15, recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next CJN.

Speaking at a valedictory session in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Thursday, Justice Ariwoola said the apex court is overburdened, stressing that there are many cases before the Supreme Court which ought to have terminated at the Court of Appeal.

He added 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.

Justice Ariwoola maintained 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.

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He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.

Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola was appointed as acting CJN by Buhari in June 2022 following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds.

Ariwoola was subsequently sworn in in October 2022 following his confirmation by the Senate.

He 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 Oyo State High Court.

Justice Ariwoola studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife in Osun State, and bagged his Bachelor of Law degree with honours in July 1980.

In July 1981, Justice Ariwoola was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor.

The Star