The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has emphasized the need for reforms to reduce the overwhelming caseload at the Supreme Court.
Speaking at his valedictory session at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Thursday to mark his official retirement, Ariwoola highlighted that many cases currently before the apex court should have been resolved at the appellate court level.
Justice Ariwoola pointed out that the congestion at the Supreme Court has contributed significantly to delays in the judicial process, with litigants and lawyers waiting for years for their cases to be heard.
He stressed that the right to a fair hearing can only be truly upheld when cases are heard without undue delay.
To address this issue, he called for an increase in the number of judicial officers to ensure timely adjudication of matters.
Justice Ariwoola’s judicial career spans decades. He was appointed as acting CJN in June 2022 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad due to health concerns.
Later, in October 2022, he was sworn in as CJN after Senate confirmation.
Ariwoola joined the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011, having previously served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2011. Before that, he was elevated from the Oyo State High Court.
A graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, Justice Ariwoola obtained his law degree in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
Today, August 22, 2024, Justice Ariwoola turns 70.
