Justice Olukayode Ariwoola officially retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Thursday, upon reaching the age of 70.
During his valedictory speech at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, Ariwoola revealed that earlier this month, he signed off on the new Supreme Court Rules 2024, designed to address current challenges and reflect the times.
Ariwoola explained that when he assumed office as CJN two years ago, he was concerned about the outdated rules governing procedures at the apex court, which had remained unchanged for 39 years, dating back to before the internet and electronic transactions became prevalent.
He pointed out that while practice directions have been issued periodically to meet evolving demands, the substantive rules had remained those from 1985.
He said, “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 How, then, could such outdated rules be adequate for today’s challenges?
“It was for this reason that I empaneled a Rules Committee to undertake the arduous task of reviewing the 39-year-old rules and the numerous extant practice directions comprehensively.
“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.”
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola emphasized the importance of having dynamic and contemporary rules of procedure in any court to meet the evolving needs of both the bar and the bench.
He expressed his gratitude to his fellow justices, including the incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, along with Justices Inyang Okoro and Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, for their dedication and commitment to implementing the new rules.
Ariwoola also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).
Regarding the Supreme Court’s workload, Justice Ariwoola noted that a total of 1,124 cases were filed during the 2023/2024 legal year, which ran from September 2023 to July 2024. These included 435 civil cases, 269 civil motions, 219 criminal cases, and 102 criminal motions.
Additionally, despite not being an election year, 89 political appeals and 10 originating summons were filed at the apex court.
He added, “During the same period, we delivered a total of 248 judgments and rulings, with 92 judgments in civil and originating summons cases, 81 judgments in criminal appeals, and 74 judgments in political appeals.”
