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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Oke Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has congratulated the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on his appointment and also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the prompt inauguration of the Iseyin-born judge.
A statement issued by OCE’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the assumption of Ariwoola into the office of the CJN will strengthen Nigeria’s legal system positively, accelerate the judicial process and make the system more pro-people.
According to the statement, Oke Ogun elders expressed their heartfelt joy that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, an indigene of the area is occupying the fifth highest office in the country.
The council also appreciated Buhari for allowing the process to take its normal course, stressing that Ariwoola’s tenure as Chief Justice will make positive impact on the country in view of the diligence, honesty, forthrightness and adroitness with which Oke Ogun people are known.
“Oke-Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) congratulate the new CJN and also laud President Muhammadu Buhari for not wasting time in swearing-in Justice Ariwoola as soon as his nomination was approved by the Senate of the Federal Republic.
“His tenure as CJN will herald a new dispensation that will make the judicial system in Nigeria more efficient, more just and more pro-people.
“Right from his days of practicing as a lawyer up till the time he was appointed as a judge by the Oyo State Government in 1992, Ariwoola has always maintained the habit of hardwork, diligence, forthrightness and honesty with which he was known all through his youthful days.
“These virtues he carried into higher offices such as in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court where he has served and is still serving meritoriously.
“With these admirable credentials, we are confident that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Tajudeen Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will further elevate the office and enhance the judicial system in Nigeria. We are also confident that he will uphold the omoluabi ethos of integrity and honour with which we are known,” the statement added.
Recall that Ariwoola was sworn-in last month by President Muhammadu Buhari as the18th Chief Justice of the Nigeria after his nomination for the office was confirmed by the Senate.
Before his nomination and eventual confirmation, Ariwoola was the most senior among the justices on the Supreme Court bench.
Ariwoola is a native of Iseyin, one of the prominent towns in Oke Ogun Area of Oyo State.
OCE is a body of elders committed to the progress of Oke Ogun and welfare of the people of the area.