Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is a well-known jurist from Nigeria who has made significant contributions to the country’s legal system throughout his long career. Ariwoola was born in 1955 in the Nigerian state of Ekiti. In 1978, he got his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Ife, now called Obafemi Awolowo University, and in 1979, he was admitted to the Nigerian Bar. He is currently the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Justice Ariwoola has worked in the Nigerian court system in different roles. He started as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice in Ondo State and became a High Court Judge in 1994. After years of dedicated service, he was appointed to the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2005 in recognition of his dedication to the rule of law.
Justice Ariwoola’s career peaked when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011 and later Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022. During his time in office, he did a lot to improve the law in Nigeria, especially in business, land, and election law. People respect his decisions and legal opinions because they are clear, based on sound reasoning, and stay true to the principles of justice.
Justice Ariwoola has always been a strong supporter of legal reform and a staunch defender of people’s rights. His legacy will be remembered for his dedication to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice was fair and unbiased, and promoting the ethical standards of the legal profession in Nigeria.
Justice Ariwoola was confirmed as Nigeria’s Chief Justice by the Nigerian Senate on September 21 2022, following his appointment as acting Chief Justice on June 27 2022, following the departure of Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad.
Key Facts About Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
- Olukayode Ariwoola was born in the Nigerian state of Ekiti in 1955.
- In 1978, he got his LL.B. from the University of Ife, now called Obafemi Awolowo University.
- In 1979, Olukayode Ariwoola became a member of the Nigerian Bar.
- He started as a State Counsel in Ondo State’s Ministry of Justice.
- Olukayode Ariwoola was named a High Court Judge in 1994.
- From 2005 to 2011, he was a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
- Olukayode Ariwoola became a Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court in 2011.
- On June 27, 2022, Olukayode Ariwoola was officially named Chief Justice of Nigeria.
- He is known for his work on Nigerian law, especially in business law, land law, and election law.
- Olukayode Ariwoola is known for making decisions and giving legal opinions that are clear and sound.
- Olukayode Ariwoola fights for legal reform and protects the rights of citizens.
- He is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair and impartial justice.
- Within the Nigerian legal community, he is an advocate for upholding ethical norms.
- Olukayode Ariwoola has been involved in some of Nigeria’s most important court cases.
- Olukayode Ariwoola’s decisions have set a standard and affected how the law is applied in Nigeria.
- Olukayode Ariwoola has been a role model for many young lawyers, showing them how to act with integrity and professionalism.