Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired as the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Thursday, highlighted the significant delays in the hearing of cases caused by issues surrounding access to justice. Speaking at a valedictory session in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Justice Ariwoola noted that litigants and lawyers are often left waiting for several years before their cases are resolved.
As he marked his retirement upon reaching the age of 70, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the need for measures to alleviate the burden on the Supreme Court. He pointed out that many cases currently before the apex court should have been concluded at the appellate level. According to him, the right to a fair hearing is only guaranteed when cases are heard promptly, underscoring the necessity for an increase in the number of judicial officers to ensure timely adjudication of all matters.
Justice Ariwoola’s tenure as CJN began in June 2022 when he was appointed as acting CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the resignation of Justice Ibrahim Muhammad due to health reasons. His position was made substantive in October 2022 after Senate confirmation. Justice Ariwoola was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011 after serving six years at the appellate court.
Born on August 22, 1954, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ariwoola began his education at the Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole, in Iseyin. He continued to Muslim Modern School from 1968 to 1969 and completed his high school education at Ansar-Ud-Deen High School, Shaki, Oyo State. He graduated with a law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
Justice Ariwoola started his legal career as a State Counsel during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State, and later worked as a Legal Officer in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice until 1988. He then transitioned to private practice, working at the Chambers of Chief Ladosu Ladapo (SAN) before establishing his own firm, Olukayode Ariwoola & Co, in 1989. He was appointed a Judge of the Oyo State Judiciary in November 1992, elevated to the appellate court in 2005, and finally to the Supreme Court in 2011.