Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Thursday, retired as the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Ariwoola’s retirement followed his attainment of 70 years.
Speaking at a valedictory session in his honour in Abuja, Justice Ariwoola calls for measures to be put in place to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.
He explained that there are too many cases before the apex court which ought to have terminated at the appellate court.
He said 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 explained 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
Born on 22 August 1954, Justice Ariwoola was elevated to the bench of the Supreme Court on 22 November 2011, and was appointed substantive CJN on 27 June 2022.
Ariwoola was appointed CJN following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad
Justice Ariwoola was formally confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Nigerian Senate on 21 September 2022.
In accordance with judicial convention, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court, is expected to take over in an acting capacity.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has already recommended her to President Bola Tinubu as the next CJN.
