After serving as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) for the past two years, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has retired from the position upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In his valedictory speech at the Supreme Court on Thursday, Ariwoola disclosed that he had signed off on the new Supreme Court Rules 2024 earlier this month in a bid to address the current challenges facing the court.
Ariwoola explained that when he assumed office as CJN, he was concerned about the 39-year-old rules regulating procedures at the apex court, which predated the advent of the internet and electronic transactions.
"At the time the Supreme Court Rules 1985 were made, things that are now ubiquitous, like information technology, electronic transactions, and global telecommunication, were either not in existence or in their formative stages. How, then, could such outdated rules be adequate for today's challenges?" he questioned.
To remedy this, Ariwoola established a Rules Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the 39-year-old rules and the numerous extant practice directions.
"I am glad to report that earlier this month, pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, I signed off on the New Supreme Court Rules 2024," he announced.
Ariwoola expressed his belief that the rules of procedure of any court are crucial for its operation and must be dynamic and contemporary to meet the evolving demands of both the bar and bench.
During his tenure, the Supreme Court received a total of 1,124 cases in the 2023/2024 legal year, including 435 civil cases, 269 civil motions, 219 criminal cases, 102 criminal motions, 89 political appeals, and 10 originating summons. The court delivered a total of 248 judgments and rulings during this period.
Ariwoola acknowledged the contributions of his fellow justices, the incoming CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Justice Inyang Okoro, and Justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, as well as Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in the development of the new rules.
The retiring CJN expressed hope that the far-reaching decisions made at the recent Justice Sector Reform Summit will greatly assist the justice sector in Nigeria.