ABUJA, Nigeria — Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired from active service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
His departure marks the conclusion of a judicial career that, while distinguished, was also marked by controversy.
Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola’s journey in the judiciary began in earnest when he was appointed to the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011.
Over the years, he ascended the ranks, eventually being appointed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria on June 27, 2022, following the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
Justice Ariwoola’s appointment as CJN was later confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022, solidifying his role as the head of the nation’s judiciary.
During his tenure, Justice Ariwoola presided over several high-profile cases and was known for his commitment to upholding the rule of law, despite the challenges that came with the office.
However, his time on the bench was not without controversy.
Throughout his career, Justice Ariwoola faced criticism over certain judicial decisions, which some argued reflected the complex and often contentious nature of Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
Nevertheless, his contributions to the judiciary, particularly during a period of significant political and social upheaval in the country, have been acknowledged by many.
As Justice Ariwoola steps down, his legacy will likely be debated by legal scholars and practitioners for years to come.
While his decisions may have sparked controversy, his dedication to the judiciary and his role in navigating Nigeria’s complex legal challenges remain significant.
Justice Ariwoola’s retirement, coinciding with his 70th birthday, marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s judiciary.
His departure leaves a vacancy at the top of the nation’s legal system, and the process of selecting his successor, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is expected to be closely watched by both the legal community and the public.
As he bids farewell to the bench, Justice Ariwoola leaves behind a judiciary that has lost the trust of Nigerians and whose image on the global stage is deeply marred by a series of questionable decisions from the bench.
