A valedictory court session in honour of the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (GCON), will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, according to Festus Akande, spokesman for the apex court.
This is as Justice Ariwoola prepares to bow out after a distinguished career.
The Supreme Court’s 2023/2024 legal year came to a close on Friday, July 19, 2024, with the court proceeding on vacation on Monday, July 22, 2024. The new term, 2024/2025, is scheduled to commence on Monday, September 23, 2024, with a ceremony to usher in the new legal year set for Monday, September 30, 2024.
Justice Ariwoola’s journey to the summit of Nigeria’s judiciary began in 2011 when he was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court. Previously, he served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2011, having been elevated from the State High Court of Oyo State.
Ariwoola’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws degree with honours from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, in July 1980. He was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor in July 1981.
President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ariwoola as acting CJN in June 2022, following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds. Ariwoola was subsequently sworn in as CJN in October 2022 after his confirmation by the Senate.
He turns 70 on August 22, 2024.
