Olukayode Ariwoola has retired from his position as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after attaining the age of 70.
A valedictory session was held in his honour on Thursday at the Supreme Court premises in Abuja.
Ariwoola earned his bachelor of law degree with honours from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in July 1980, and was called to the bar a year later following which he enrolled as a solicitor at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He grew in his career, serving as a judge of the Oyo State High Court before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2005.
Ariwoola was sworn in as the substantive CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 12, 2022, following the surprise resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad, his predecessor.
In line with judicial convention, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court, is expected to take over in an acting capacity.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended her to President Bola Tinubu as the next CJN after its meeting last week.
Tinubu is expected to swear her in at a ceremony at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
