Supreme Court to Hold Valedictory Session on August 22 as Ariwoola Bows Out As CJN
By Omowumi Omotosho
The Supreme Court has scheduled a valedictory session on August 22 to mark the retirement of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola.
In an announcement on Monday, Festus Akande, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, stated that the session would take place at the court’s premises as CJN Ariwoola reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Akande also noted that the Supreme Court began its annual vacation on Monday, July 22, and will commence the new legal year on Monday, September 23, 2024.
“The supreme court’s 2023/2024 legal year ended on Friday, 19th July 2024,” the notice reads.
“The court proceeded on vacation on Monday, 22nd July 2024, and will resume for the 1st term 2024/2025 legal year on Monday, 23rd September 2024.
“However, the valedictory court session for the retiring chief justice of Nigeria, Hon. justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON shall hold on Thursday, 22nd August, 2024.
“The ceremony to usher in the 2024/2025 new legal year is scheduled to hold on Monday, 30th September, 2024.”
Ariwoola was appointed as the substantive CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 12, 2022, following the resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad.
Following tradition, Ariwoola will be succeeded in an acting capacity by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court. The National Judicial Council will then recommend a permanent CJN to the president, who will submit the nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
