Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola retired on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce the caseload burden on the Supreme Court.
Speaking at a valedictory session held in his honor at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Ariwoola highlighted the excessive number of cases reaching the apex court, many of which should have been resolved at the appellate level.
He attributed the delays in case hearings to the overwhelming access to justice, which forces litigants and lawyers to wait years for resolutions.
Ariwoola urged the judicial system to ensure timely adjudication by increasing the number of judicial officers.
The retirement ceremony also featured the launch of a book titled “Judging With Justice,” written in his honor.
Among the attendees were Vice President Kashim Shettima, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who is set to succeed Ariwoola as CJN.
Ariwoola, who turned 70 today, was appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in 2011 and became the CJN in 2022 following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad.
He holds a law degree from the University of Ife and was called to the Bar in 1981.
