In a significant shift in Nigeria’s judiciary, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola has retired, marking the end of his tenure as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70. His retirement comes with a legacy—signing off on the new Supreme Court Rules 2024, a comprehensive update aimed at modernizing the country’s apex court procedures.
Overhaul of Outdated Court Rules
Ariwoola, who served as CJN for two years, highlighted the pressing need to revise the Supreme Court’s procedural rules, which had been in place since 1985. “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 How, then, could such outdated rules be adequate for today’s challenges?”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 during his valedictory speech at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
The new rules are designed to address the demands of contemporary legal practice, ensuring that the court’s operations are in step with technological advancements. The 2024 rules reflect significant changes in legal processes, particularly in integrating electronic transactions and information technology into the judicial system.
Achievements and Challenges in the Legal Year
During his speech, Ariwoola provided an overview of the Supreme Court’s workload in the 2023/2024 legal year. A total of 1,124 cases were filed, with 435 civil cases, 269 civil motions, 219 criminal cases, and 102 criminal motions. Despite it not being an election year, the court still saw 89 political appeals, a testament to the political climate’s intensity.
In response to this heavy caseload, the court delivered 248 judgments and rulings, covering various legal areas. The CJN also emphasized the importance of reducing the burden on the Supreme Court, which led to collaborative efforts with the National Judicial Institute, the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigerian Bar Association in hosting the Justice Sector Reform Summit in April 2024. Ariwoola expressed optimism that the decisions made during this summit would positively impact the justice sector.
Looking Forward: Leadership Transition
Ariwoola’s retirement paves the way for Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who is expected to take over as the new CJN. Ariwoola praised his colleagues, including Justice Kekere-Ekun, for their dedication to developing the new rules, underscoring their collective commitment to the judiciary’s progress.
As he steps down, Ariwoola leaves behind a judiciary better equipped to handle modern challenges. The introduction of the new Supreme Court Rules 2024 marks a turning point in Nigeria’s legal system, ensuring that the highest court in the land remains responsive to the evolving demands of justice.
Source: Punch
