The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has slammed the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, describing his tenure as the worst in the history of the nation’s judiciary.
According to HURIWA, Justice Ariwoola’s leadership was marked by nepotism, corruption, and a blatant disregard for fairness and justice, leaving the judiciary in disarray and significantly tarnishing its credibility.
The association highlighted the appointment of Justice Ariwoola’s brother, Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, as the head of the audit department at the National Judicial Council (NJC), a role that directly answers to the Chief Justice, as a clear example of nepotism.
HURIWA also condemned Justice Ariwoola’s involvement in securing a judicial appointment for his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., as a Judge of the Federal High Court, describing it as a deeply entrenched culture of nepotism.
The statement added, “This move, which was met with widespread public outcry, exemplifies the deeply entrenched culture of nepotism that has taken root under Justice Ariwoola’s leadership,” it added.
“Justice Ariwoola’s actions have set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar behaviour among other judicial leaders.
“For instance, the Chief Judge of Abuja, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, following in Justice Ariwoola’s footsteps, appointed his daughter, Maryam Baba-Yusuf on the bench as a judge of the Abuja High Court and allegedly included the daughters of influential politicians, former governors, and ministers among the newly appointed judges.
“The implications of these actions are dire for the Nigerian judiciary. A federal court judge recently remarked that in Nigeria, it is nearly impossible to become a Federal High Court judge without connections to powerful individuals.”
