Justice Ariwoola Says Too Much Burden On Supreme Court, Bows Out As CJN

By Ayodele Oni

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Thursday, retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 for judicial Officers.

He left with an advice that measures should be put in place to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.

According to him, there are too many cases before the apex court which ought to have terminated at the appellate court.

Justice Ariwoola spoke at a valedictory session in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

He pointed out that 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.

He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was among dignitaries who attended the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Judging With Justice’, written in Ariwoola’s honour.

The event was held at the International Conference Centre Abuja, a few hours after the official retirement of Justice Ariwoola.

Guests at the occasion include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike; and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was recommended to President Bola Tinubu by the National Judicial Council to take over from Justice Ariwoola, as well as Justices of the Supreme and Appeal Courts.