As Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola prepares to complete his judicial tenure in five days, his legacy is marred by allegations of nepotism and prioritizing family interests over the integrity of the judiciary.
During his two-year tenure as Chief Justice, which concludes on August 22, 2024, Ariwoola, who chaired the National Judicial Council (NJC), made several controversial appointments and promotions involving his family members. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola accomplished all of this.

In a move that raised eyebrows, Justice Ariwoola approved the appointment of his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr, as a Judge of the Federal High Court. Ariwoola Jr, who was sworn in on October 4, 2023, had limited legal experience, having only worked as a legal researcher with the NJC and as a practitioner with Olujinmi & Akeredolu Firm between 2011 and 2021.
The nepotism didn’t stop there. As chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Ariwoola nominated his daughter-in-law, Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, as a judge of the FCT High Court. He subsequently approved her nomination as chairman of the NJC and recommended her appointment to the President.
Ariwoola’s younger brother, Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, also benefited from his position, receiving a promotion to Deputy Director, Audit, of the National Judicial Council in the same year that the CJN recommended his son for appointment.
Furthermore, the CJN approved the promotion of his nephew, Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu, to the Court of Appeal, further solidifying the perception of favoritism within the judiciary.
These actions have raised serious concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the Nigerian judicial system under Ariwoola’s leadership. Critics argue that such blatant nepotism undermines public trust in the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent for future appointments.
As Ariwoola’s tenure draws to a close, questions remain about the long-term impact of his decisions on the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary. The incoming Chief Justice will face the challenging task of restoring public confidence and ensuring that appointments and promotions are based on merit and qualifications rather than family ties.
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