Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has hailed the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as a pride of the state and a man of integrity who served the judiciary meritoriously and without blemish.
The governor’s commendation came during a Special Retirement Prayer and Thanksgiving Celebration held in honour of the legal icon on Saturday.
In remarks made at the event in Iseyin, which was represented by Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, Governor Makinde noted that Justice Ariwoola’s retirement is a cause for celebration, highlighting his commendable performance as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
He described Justice Ariwoola’s journey in the legal profession as a privilege marked by integrity and good character.
Makinde averred that, “Let’s take it this way. First and foremost, to really go into this trajectory in the judiciary from High Court to Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, not only in the Supreme Court but to really become the CJN of Nigeria is a real privilege, and that comes along with integrity and good character. So, it’s a thing of joy for us.”
“Now, in Oyo State, Honourable Justice Ariwoola is the only Justice who became Chief Justice of Nigeria to my memory, so for us in Oyo State, his retirement calls for celebration.”
“He retired meritoriously, and what you have seen is a testimony of the fact that he performed creditably well as a judge and as CJN, to the extent that virtually all Justices of the Supreme Court are here in attendance to honor him.”
“So, to me, it’s a thing of joy for us in Oyo State, it’s a thing of joy for the family of Ariwoola, and it’s a thing of joy for the judiciary in Oyo State. We are celebrating,” he remarked.
Barrister Lawal joined Islamic clerics and other attendees in offering special prayers for Justice Ariwoola (RTD).
In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the occasion, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, praised Justice Ariwoola as a good leader who positively impacted the judiciary.
Earlier, the National Missioner of the Istjabah group, Sheikh Ashiru Kolawole, urged the celebrant to be thankful to Allah for his unblemished tenure in such a prestigious position, encouraging him to draw closer to Allah and observe the five daily prayers as outlined in Islam.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni, who is also Justice Ariwoola’s sister, extolled the virtues of the legal icon during the event.
The occasion welcomed Justices from the Supreme and Appeal Courts, Oyo State Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima, members of the Bar and Bench from across the nation, Oyo State cabinet members, captains of industry, royal fathers, religious leaders, as well as family and friends.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, born on August 22, 1954, was appointed the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of former Chief Justice Tanko Muhammed.
He was formally confirmed as the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Senate on September 21, 2022, and retired from active service on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.
