President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Justice Ariwoola was sworn in on Monday at the Council Chambers in Abuja.
He took over from the immediate past CJN, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad who resigned on Monday, ctiting health reasons.
Ariwoola started his educational career in his home town Iseyin at the Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole, in the Iseyin Local government of Oyo State between 1959 and 1967.
Born on August 22, 1958, Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Oyo State was formerly a Justice of the Court of Appeal before being elevated to the Supreme Court bench in 2011.
Since the Buhari-led regime emerged in 2015, it has appointed three Chief Justices in both acting and substantive capacities. Related News
In March 2017, then acting President Yemi Osinbajo nominated Justice Walter Onnoghen as CJN; to replace Justice Mahmud Mohammed.
In January 2019, however, he was suspended for alleged false asset declaration, giving way for Justice Tanko Muhammad, who suddenly resigned on Monday morning for an undisclosed health issue.
Justice Ariwoola will serve in acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate under President Buhari’s request.
The President also conferred on the outgoing CJN with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
In attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, other Justices of the Supreme Court, Director-General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, amongst others.
