Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially stepped down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Justice Ariwoola, born on August 22, 1954, was honored with a valedictory session at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Thursday, August 21, 2024.

During the session, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the need to implement measures to reduce the workload on the Supreme Court, noting that many cases before the apex court should have concluded at the appellate level.

He highlighted that delays in the justice system, driven by the sheer volume of cases and the pursuit of justice, force litigants and lawyers to wait years for resolutions.

Justice Ariwoola called for more judicial officers to expedite case hearings and ensure the right to a fair hearing is upheld without undue delays.

Appointed to the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011, Ariwoola became the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, after Justice Tanko Muhammad’s resignation. His appointment was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.

Ariwoola’s legal journey began with a law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, and he was called to the Bar in July 1981.

Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the next CJN.