Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who was the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria, has officially retired because he has reached the age of 70, which is the mandatory retirement age.
During a farewell event held at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Justice Ariwoola talked about his time in the role. He emphasized the importance of making sure that people can easily access justice without long delays in court cases. He highlighted that quick hearings are crucial for ensuring a fair trial for everyone involved.
Justice Ariwoola’s career in the judiciary started in 1981 when he became a lawyer and was admitted to practice at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He served as a judge in Oyo State before moving up to the Court of Appeal in 2005. In 2011, he was appointed to the Supreme Court and later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in June 2022 after his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad, stepped down.
On the other hand, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is expected to take over his position. Reports suggest that she will be officially sworn in on Friday.