Justice Olukayode Ariwoola today retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, having attained the retirement age of 70.

While delivering his valedictory speech at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, Ariwoola disclosed that to suit the times and address current challenges, he signed off on the new Supreme Court Rules 2024 earlier this month.

He explained that upon assuming office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria two years ago, he was concerned about the rules regulating procedures in the apex court, which had been in place for 39 years, predating the advent of the internet and electronic transactions.

He noted that although practice directions have been issued periodically over the years to meet the demands of justice, the substantive rules dated back to 1985.

His words: “At the time the Supreme Court Rules 1985 were made, things that are now ubiquitous, like information technology, electronic transactions, and global telecommunication, were either not in existence or in their formative stages. How, then, could such outdated rules be adequate for today’s challenges?

“It was for this reason that I empaneled a Rules Committee to undertake the arduous task of reviewing the 39-year-old rules and the numerous extant practice directions comprehensively.

“I am glad to report that earlier this month, pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, I signed off on the New Supreme Court Rules 2024.”

Ariwoola expressed his belief that the rules of procedure of any court are crucial for its operation and must be dynamic and contemporary to meet the evolving demands of both the bar and the bench.

He thanked his fellow justices including the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Justice John Inyang Okoro, and Justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju for their dedication and commitment to the new rules.

He also acknowledged Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) for their contribution.

Justice Ariwoola, speaking on the Supreme Court’s workload, noted that a total of 1,124 cases were filed in the 2023/2024 legal year which commenced in September 2023 and ended in July 2024.

Of these, 435 were civil cases, 269 were civil motions, 219 were criminal cases, and 102 were criminal motions.

Additionally, although the year was not an election year, 89 political appeals were filed at the apex court, along with 10 originating summons.

He said: “During the same period, we delivered a total of 248 judgments and rulings, with 92 judgments in civil and originating summons cases, 81 judgments in criminal appeals, and 74 judgments in political appeals.”

According to PUNCH, Justice Ariwoola noted that the realisation of the need to reduce the undue burden on the Supreme Court led to the collaboration between the National Judicial Institute, the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigerian Bar Association to host the Justice Sector Reform Summit in April.

He expressed hope that the far-reaching decisions made at the summit will greatly assist the justice sector.

Ariwoola was sworn in as the substantive CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 12, 2022, following the controversial resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad, his predecessor.

He was born on August 22, 1954 and elevated to the Supreme Court bench on November 22, 2011. Ariwoola was then appointed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria on June 27, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022. After two years as CJN and 13 years at the apex court, Ariwoola’s judicial leadership has been encapsulated in an autobiography titled “Judging with Justice” and co-authored by legal text writer, Mr. Olanrewaju Akinsola.

In line with judicial convention, Justice Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court, is expected to take over in an acting capacity.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended her to President Bola Tinubu as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria.

PHOTO CREDIT: TheCable.ng