Olukayode Ariwoola, a justice of the supreme court, has been sworn in as the acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The oath of office was administered to Ariwoola on Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The swearing in ceremony took place at the council chamber of the presidential villa in Abuja.

The acting CJN takes over from Tanko Muhammad, who resigned earlier on Monday.

Although he was said to have resigned on the grounds of ill-health, TheCable learnt he was forced to quit his position.

Fourteen justices of the supreme court had accused the former CJN of abandoning his responsibility as the leader of the court.

Ariwoola, 63, is expected to serve in an acting capacity till further confirmation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the national assembly.

He swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the federal government, as well as defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ariwoola studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Osun state, where he bagged a bachelor of laws degree with honours in July 1980.

He was called to the Nigeria Bar in July 1981 — and on November 22, 2011, he was elevated and sworn into the bench of the supreme court.

The Cable