Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is a renowned Nigerian jurist and lawyer, currently serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Born on August 22, 1958, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, he has achieved great success in his legal career, holding prominent positions in the judiciary. This blog post delves into his early life, education, career, and personal life, shedding light on the remarkable journey of this esteemed legal figure.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola spent his formative years in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. He attended the Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole, from 1959 to 1967 for his primary education. Subsequently, he pursued his studies at the Muslim Modern School in the same town from 1968 to 1969. Continuing his educational journey, he graduated from Ansar-Ud-Deen High School in Sarki, Oyo State.
For his legal aspirations, Justice Ariwoola pursued a law degree at the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, located in Ile Ife, Osun State. He successfully completed his LLB degree and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar.
After obtaining his law degree, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola began his legal career at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where he enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate in July 1981. Initially, he served as a State Counsel on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State.
He later became a Legal Officer in the Ministry of Justice in Oyo State, and in 1988, he voluntarily left the State Civil Service to establish his private practice. In August 1989, he founded the legal firm Olukayode Ariwoola & Co. in Oyo town.
His exceptional legal acumen and dedication to justice earned him the appointment as a Judge of the Oyo State Judiciary in November 1992. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including Chairman of the Board of Directors for Phonex Motors Ltd., a part of the Oodua Investment conglomerates, and Chairman of the Armed Robbery Tribunal, Oyo State.
Furthermore, Justice Ariwoola presided over the Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos Divisions of the Court of Appeals before his appointment to the esteemed Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is a respected member of several legal associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association, and the Nigerian Body of Benchers. His extensive experience and exemplary service in the judiciary have earned him a prestigious place as the Acting Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Outside his illustrious career, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola values his privacy and keeps his personal life away from media attention. He is married to a loving wife, and their marriage has been blessed with children, each pursuing their respective endeavors.
Conclusion
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s journey from his humble beginnings to becoming the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria is an inspiration to many. His contributions to the legal field and commitment to justice continue to make a significant impact in the Nigerian judiciary. As he continues to serve in his esteemed role, his legacy is sure to be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s legal history.
FAQs
Who is Olukayode Ariwoola?
Olukayode Ariwoola is a Nigerian jurist who served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from June 27, 2022, to August 22, 2024. Born on August 22, 1954, in Iseyin, Oyo State, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria on November 22, 2011, and became CJN following the resignation of his predecessor, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
What is his educational background?
Ariwoola completed his primary education at Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole in Iseyin, and later attended Muslim Modern School in the same town. He proceeded to Ansar-Ud-Deen High School, Saki, Oyo State. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.
What is his professional experience?
Ariwoola began his legal career as a State Counsel during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State. He later worked as a Legal Officer in the Ministry of Justice in Oyo State until 1988, when he entered private practice. In November 1992, he was appointed as a Judge of the Oyo State Judiciary. He served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos Divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
What is his net worth?
As of now, there is no publicly available information regarding Olukayode Ariwoola’s net worth. Given his long-standing career in the judiciary and his role as CJN, his financial details remain private. Public records and media sources have not disclosed specific figures related to his personal wealth.
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