Tinubu, Others Reaffirm Commitment to Judicial Reform at Ariwoola’s Book Launch
Tinubu, Others Reaffirm Commitment to Judicial Reform at Ariwoola’s Book Launch
ABUJA, Nigeria – May 12, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, pledging to support structural reforms that enhance access to justice for all Nigerians.
Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, at the launch of a book honoring the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, President Tinubu emphasized ongoing legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the judiciary.
The book, co-authored by Dr. Charles Mekwunye (SAN) and Ayo Olanrewaju, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR), chronicles Justice Ariwoola’s judicial journey and his significant contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence, particularly at the appellate level.
Fagbemi praised Justice Ariwoola’s unwavering dedication to national development, describing him as a jurist who saw the bench not merely as a position of authority but as a call to service. He noted that many of the former Chief Justice’s landmark decisions continue to shape Nigeria’s legal landscape, especially in constitutional and commercial law.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, highlighted the importance of leadership, accountability, and legacy. He described the book as a vital record of institutional memory that provides valuable insights into Nigeria’s evolving legal framework, particularly in the areas of constitutional, electoral, and administrative law.
The book was reviewed by legal scholar Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, who praised its intellectual depth and historical significance. “This work offers a sobering yet insightful reflection on Justice Ariwoola’s judicial philosophy and his role in shaping modern Nigerian law,” he remarked.
Dr. Mekwunye, one of the co-authors, explained that the book critically analyzes Justice Ariwoola’s body of work, highlighting his adherence to precedent and judicial restraint. Notably, the former Chief Justice was known for never delivering a dissenting opinion throughout his career, instead building consensus while still advancing key legal principles.
Mekwunye also used the platform to call for urgent judicial reforms, particularly the need to address the plight of detainees who have remained in correctional facilities for years without trial. He decried the continued incarceration of individuals for up to nine years without formal charges or access to bail as a gross violation of fundamental human rights.
“For true reform to occur, access to justice must be swift, fair, and inclusive—especially for the most vulnerable,” Mekwunye said, urging the government to tackle systemic delays in the administration of justice.
In his brief but heartfelt remarks, Hon. Justice Ariwoola expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, reiterating his faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. He urged younger members of the legal profession to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and dedication to service.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done in every courtroom across the country,” he said, reinforcing the judiciary’s central role in preserving democracy and the rule of law. Read More
