Justice Olukayode Ariwoola officially retired as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. During his valedictory speech at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, Ariwoola highlighted one of his final actions as CJN: the signing of the new Supreme Court Rules 2024, which he described as essential to addressing the evolving challenges faced by the judiciary.
Ariwoola noted that the previous rules, in place since 1985, were outdated, lacking provisions for modern developments like information technology and electronic transactions. Recognizing the need for change, he empaneled a Rules Committee to undertake a comprehensive review. The new rules, signed earlier this month, mark a significant shift toward a more dynamic and contemporary judicial system.
In his remarks, Ariwoola expressed gratitude to his colleagues, including the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for their dedication to the project. He also acknowledged the contributions of legal experts, such as Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in shaping the new rules.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s workload, Ariwoola revealed that 1,124 cases were filed during the 2023/2024 legal year, resulting in 248 judgments and rulings. He emphasized the importance of the recently held Justice Sector Reform Summit, which aimed to reduce the Supreme Court’s heavy burden and improve the overall efficiency of the justice system.
