Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Nigeria’s 22nd Chief Justice, Retires After Reaching Mandatory Age of 70
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Nigeria’s 22nd Chief Justice, has retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70. At a valedictory session held in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja, he reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the need for greater access to justice. He highlighted that delays in case hearings have greatly contributed to the backlog in courts, stressing that the right to a fair hearing can only be ensured when legal proceedings are timely.
Justice Ariwoola’s legal career began in 1981 when he was called to the Bar and registered at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor. He served as a Justice at the Oyo State High Court before being promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2005. In 2011, he was appointed to the Supreme Court and became the Chief Justice in June 2022, following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is anticipated to succeed him.
