Olukayode Ariwoola: The Fearless Judgements Outgoing CJN will be Remembered for

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola bids farewell to the Nigerian judiciary, leaving behind a legacy marked by his fearless pursuit of justice and legal reform. Hailing from Oyo State, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola began his judicial career in 1992 as a Judge in Oyo State, steadily ascending the ranks with postings in the Court of Appeal across Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions. His elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011 marked a pinnacle in his career, becoming the first Chief Justice of Nigeria from Oyo State. Throughout his tenure, Justice Ariwoola’s decisions reflected a deep commitment to judicial integrity and the interpretation of laws that shaped critical legal precedents in Nigeria.

Overcoming Skepticism: Establishing a Legacy of Impartiality

Initially met with skepticism upon his appointment, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola quickly dispelled doubts about his leadership. Amidst a judiciary marred by controversies surrounding his predecessors, Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure stood out for its unwavering commitment to impartiality and upholding the rule of law. His judgements, often characterized by meticulous legal reasoning and adherence to constitutional principles, earned him respect among legal scholars and practitioners alike. Despite challenges, including criticism over certain decisions, Justice Ariwoola’s steadfast dedication to justice remained a hallmark of his tenure.

Evaluating a Complex Legacy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Reflecting on his legacy, legal experts such as Mike Ozekhome (SAN) acknowledge the nuanced impact of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure. Ozekhome described it as “a mixture of the good, the bad, and the ugly,” highlighting both notable achievements and areas of contention. Under Olukayode Ariwoola’s leadership, the judiciary witnessed advancements in jurisprudence that addressed critical legal issues affecting Nigerian society. However, criticisms over perceived inconsistencies in judicial interpretations and delays in delivering judgements also underscored his tenure. Despite these challenges, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the Nigerian judiciary, setting benchmarks for future Chief Justices and emphasizing the pivotal role of an independent judiciary in a democratic society.

Landmark Judgments Under Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s Leadership

During Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Supreme Court delivered several landmark judgments that have left an indelible mark on the country’s legal landscape. Among the most notable decisions were the rulings on the cash scarcity case, the local government autonomy case, the Naira redesign, and the presidential election appeal. These cases not only highlighted the judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding the rule of law but also underscored its influence in shaping the nation’s socio-economic and political trajectory.

Legal luminary Mike Ozekhome praised these decisions, particularly the Supreme Court’s intervention in the currency redesign case, stating, “In all, we saw a Supreme Court that delivered some very courageous judgments like the currency case that allows Nigerians to have two swaps of currency, the old and the new, side by side. If the Supreme Court did not intervene, what the Central Bank would have done was cripple the entire country and bring it to its knees.” Similarly, the local government autonomy judgment has sparked widespread debate, with some critics challenging its implications, while others, including Ozekhome, have lauded it as a step toward greater decentralization and empowerment at the grassroots level.

Judicial Reforms and Leadership

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure was also marked by significant reforms aimed at addressing longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s judiciary. One of his primary focuses was on increasing the number of justices in the Supreme Court to ensure a more efficient and effective judicial process. Under his leadership, 11 new judges were appointed, bringing the total number of justices to the expected 21, a move that has been widely regarded as a crucial step in enhancing the court’s capacity to handle the increasing volume of cases.

Olu Afolabi, a legal expert, reflected on the impact of Olukayode Ariwoola’s reforms, noting, “Olukayode Ariwoola’s reforms have set the judiciary on a path of progress and development. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come.” These reforms are seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen the judiciary’s independence and integrity, ensuring that it remains a robust pillar of democracy in Nigeria. Justice Ariwoola’s leadership has, therefore, been characterized by a commitment to advancing the judiciary’s role in delivering justice and upholding the constitution.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite the successes, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure was not without challenges. The judiciary faced issues such as conflicting court orders and perceptions of indiscipline on the bench, which threatened to undermine public confidence in the legal system. However, Ariwoola’s steadfast commitment to integrity, fairness, and justice helped to navigate these challenges, leaving a lasting impact on the judiciary. His efforts to maintain judicial decorum and uphold the rule of law have been widely acknowledged, even as the judiciary continues to grapple with these ongoing issues.

As Justice Olukayode Ariwoola steps down, there is widespread reflection on the legacy he leaves behind and its implications for the future of Nigeria’s judiciary. “Olukayode Ariwoola’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us,” said Barrister Ojo Makinde, a Lagos-based lawyer. This sentiment is echoed by many in the legal community, who view his tenure as a period of significant progress and reform. Looking ahead, attention now turns to his successor, who will be sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on August 23, 2024, with the hope that the new leadership will build on the foundations laid by Justice Ariwoola.