Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday described the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, as a pride of the state and a man of integrity who served the judiciary meritoriously and without blemish.
He made this known during a special retirement prayer and thanksgiving celebration held in Iseyin, in the Iseyin Local Government Area of the state, in honour of the legal icon.
Governor Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, said Ariwoola’s retirement was a cause for celebration, highlighting his commendable performance as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
He said, “Let’s take it this way. First and foremost, to really ascend through the judiciary from the High Court to the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, and not only to serve in the Supreme Court but to become the CJN is a real privilege that comes with integrity and good character. So, it’s a joy for us.
“Now, in the state, Ariwoola is the only Justice who has become Chief Justice of Nigeria to my memory, so for us in this state, his retirement calls for celebration.
“He retired meritoriously, and what you have seen is a testament to 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 honour him.
“So, to me, it’s a joy for us in this state, a joy for the family of Ariwoola, and a joy for the judiciary in the state. We are celebrating,” he stated.
In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chair 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, 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.
Ariwoola, born on August 22, 1954, was appointed the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of former Chief Justice Tanko Muhammed.
He was formally confirmed as the 22nd CJN by the Senate on September 21, 2022, and retired from active service on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.
The occasion welcomed Justices from the Supreme and Appeal Courts, Oyo State Chief Judge Iyabo Yerima, members of the Bar and Bench from across the nation, state cabinet members, captains of industry, royal fathers, religious leaders, as well as family and friends.
