The Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability (CSCJA) has demanded the resignation of Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, over allegations of nepotism and misuse of power.
The consortium, composed of lawyers advocating for public interest, expressed their disapproval over the recent appointment of the Chief Justice’s biological children to judicial positions.
The group alleges that the Chief Justice leveraged his position to appoint his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Junior, as a Judge of the Federal High Court, and his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola, as a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During a protest near the Supreme Court, the group accused the Chief Justice of misusing the National Judicial Council (NJC), where he serves as chairman, to endorse his two children as High Court Judges. The protesters held placards with messages demanding the Chief Justice’s resignation and calling for an end to judicial rascality and nepotism.
After delivering a letter demanding the Chief Justice’s resignation, the consortium’s coordinator, Martin Obono, called for the restructuring of the Chief Justice’s office to prevent further misuse. Obono expressed concern over potential conflicts of interest and the erosion of public trust in the judiciary due to the Chief Justice’s appointments.
Obono emphasized the need for the legal system to uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure fair and equal treatment for all citizens under the law. He warned that nepotism in judicial appointments not only breaches these principles but also risks undermining the rule of law in Nigeria.
The protesters urged the Chief Justice to acknowledge his actions and resign immediately, stating that this step is crucial to restore public faith in the judiciary and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance. Obono stressed the importance of a judiciary free from personal bias and favoritism to uphold the principles of justice.
