A group, the Oke Ogun Elders (OCE), has said the assumption of office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, will positively enhance Nigeria’s legal system, accelerate the judicial process and make the system more pro-people.

The group in a release by its Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi,  in which it congratulated the new CJN also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for not wasting time in swearing-in Ariwoola as soon as his nomination was approved by the Senate. 

Ariwoola is a native of Iseyin, one of the prominent towns in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, while OCE is a body of Elders committed to the progress and welfare of the people of the area.

The group expressed their heart-felt 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. 

While appreciating Buhari for allowing the process to take its normal course, they gave the assurance that Ariwoola’s tenure as CJN will make positive impact on the country in view of the diligence, honesty, forthrightness and adroitness with which Oke Ogun people are known.

The group said, “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 virtues of hard-work, diligence, forthrightness and honesty all through his career. 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 CJN 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”.

It then concluded by expressing appreciation to the authorities for making the appointment a smooth one.

It would be recalled that Ariwoola was sworn-in by Buhari as the 18th CJN after his nomination for that office was confirmed by the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.