Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and others have lauded the contributions of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, to nation building and the judiciary.

They made the commendation on Saturday during a special retirement prayer and thanksgiving celebration held in Iseyin, in the Iseyin Local Government Area of the state, in honour of the legal icon.

Governor Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, described him as a pride of the state and a man of integrity who served the judiciary meritoriously and without blemish.

The governor said Ariwoola’s retirement was a cause for celebration, highlighting his commendable performance as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

He said, “Let’s take it this way. First and foremost, to really ascend through the judiciary from the High Court to the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, and not only to serve in the Supreme Court but to become the CJN is a real privilege that comes with integrity and good character. So, it’s a joy for us.

“Now, in the state, Ariwoola is the only Justice who has become Chief Justice of Nigeria to my memory, so for us in this state, his retirement calls for celebration.

“He retired meritoriously, and what you have seen is a testament to the fact that he performed creditably well as a judge and as CJN, to the extent that virtually all Justices of the Supreme Court are here in attendance to honour him.

“So, to me, it’s a joy for us in this state, a joy for the family of Ariwoola, and a joy for the judiciary in the state. We are celebrating.”

In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chair of the occasion, Kekere-Ekun, praised Justice Ariwoola as a good leader who positively impacted the judiciary.

On his part, the National Missioner of the Istijabah group, Ashiru Kolawole, urged the celebrant to be thankful to Allah for his unblemished tenure in such a prestigious position, encouraging him to draw closer to Allah and observe the five daily prayers as outlined in Islam.

Ariwoola, born on August 22, 1954, was appointed the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of former Chief Justice Tanko Muhammed.

Ariwoola retired from active service on August 22, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory age of 70.