JUST IN: Justice Ariwoola Becomes Acting CJN

Mohammed Oluwatimileyin Taoheed reports,

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following the judicial oath of office he took today June 27th, 2022.

Track News Nigeria learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari administered the oath of office to Justice Ariwoola during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Ariwoola, aged 62, takes over from the resigned CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, is expected to serve in an acting capacity till further confirmation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

While taking the judicial oath, he pledged to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari shakes hands with the acting CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, during an inauguration ceremony at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 27, 2022.

Recall that Justice Muhammad had resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Sunday night, citing ill-health as the reason for his decision.

This led to the inauguration of Justice Ariwoola – the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court at the time of Justice Muhammad’s resignation.

Until his resignation, according to reports, the immediate past CJN was seriously ill.