Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired from service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished judicial career.
Justice Ariwoola was appointed to the Supreme Court bench on November 22, 2011, and later became the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
His appointment as CJN was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.
As the events marking his retirement unfold at the Supreme Court, there are strong indications that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun may be named as his successor, making her the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.
If President Tinubu approves the recommendation by the NJC, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second female CJN in Nigeria.
Maryam Mukhtar was the first female CJN, serving from July 2012 to November 2014.
