The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will retire on August 22, when he will attain the age of 70.
The Supreme Court has fixed the date for a valedictory court service to honour the CJN towards his retirement.
The apex court has also proceeded on its annual vacation following the conclusion of its 2023/2024 legal year.
The Nation learnt that the vacation, which officially started on July 22, will end on September 23, while the ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2024/2025 legal year will hold on September 30.
It was also learnt that Justice Ariwoola will attain 70 years, the mandatory retirement age for Justices of the apex court, on August 22.
Traditionally, Justice Ariwoola will be succeeded, in an acting capacity, by the most senior Justice of the court, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) will then recommend a substantive CJN to the President, who will, in turn, nominate the recommended candidate to the Senate for confirmation.
The court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Festus Akande, who confirmed the development yesterday, said the Supreme Court’s 2023/2024 legal year ended on July 19.
Akande said: “The Supreme Court’s 2023/2024 legal year ended on Friday, July 19, 2024.
“The court proceeded on vacation on Monday, July 22, 2024 and will resume for the first term 2024/2025 legal year on Monday, September 23, 2024.
“However, the valedictory court session for the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (GCON), shall hold on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
“The ceremony to usher in the 2024/2025 new legal year is scheduled to hold on Monday, September 30, 2024.”
Source: The Nation
