Justice Olukayode Ariwoola officially retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Thursday, calling for measures to alleviate the heavy caseload burdening the Supreme Court.
During a valedictory session held in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Justice Ariwoola emphasised that many cases currently before the apex court should have been resolved at the appellate court level.
He pointed out that the significant number of cases contributes to delays in the judicial process, with litigants and lawyers often forced to wait years for their cases to be heard.
Justice Ariwoola underscored that the right to a fair hearing is compromised when there is an extended wait time for case resolutions.
He also advocated for an increase in the number of judicial officers to ensure timely adjudication of matters.
The retirement event was followed by the public presentation of a book titled *Judging With Justice, written in Ariwoola’s honour.
The presentation, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who has been recommended by the National Judicial Council to succeed Justice Ariwoola. Other attendees included Justices of the Supreme and Appeal Courts.
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