Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
A valedictory court session was held at the Supreme Court in Abuja to mark the end of his tenure as Nigeria’s 17th chief justice.
During the ceremony, Ariwoola expressed deep concern over the overwhelming caseload facing the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that many cases could have been resolved at lower courts, contributing to significant delays in the justice system.
“The sheer volume of pending cases is a significant impediment to timely justice,” Ariwoola stated, highlighting how prolonged delays have hindered access to justice for litigants and lawyers who often wait years for case adjudication.
The outgoing CJN called for an increase in the number of judicial officers to address the backlog and ensure timely resolutions.
His remarks underscored the urgent need for judicial reforms to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s court system.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, echoed Ariwoola’s sentiments. Speaking at the event, Fagbemi affirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to judicial reform, stating, “Timely adjudication is crucial for guaranteeing the right to a fair hearing.”
Fagbemi highlighted recent developments in the judicial sector, including a 300 percent increase in judicial officers’ salaries.
“This increase reflects our commitment to strengthening the judiciary and reinforcing its role as the last hope of the common man,” he said.
The valedictory ceremony also saw the public presentation of a book titled “Judging With Justice,” celebrating Ariwoola’s contributions to the judiciary. Notable attendees included Vice President Kashim Shettima, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and incoming CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
ALSO READ: CJN Olukayode Ariwoola Set to Retire in August
Ariwoola’s retirement comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s judiciary, which faces ongoing challenges including conflicting court orders, delays, and perceived irrational decisions.
In June, Ariwoola had denounced conflicting court decisions, vowing to sanction judges found culpable, though no further action has been reported.
As Ariwoola passes the mantle to Kekere-Ekun, who will become Nigeria’s 18th CJN, the focus remains on addressing the systemic issues within the judiciary.
