CJN Olukayode Ariwoola Accused of Nepotism as Daughter Nominated for FCT High Court Judge Position

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola is facing accusations of nepotism as he allegedly seeks to appoint his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola, as a judge on the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Documents and insider sources reveal a pattern of familial and loyalist appointments orchestrated by Ariwoola before his upcoming mandatory retirement in August 2024.

This move follows Ariwoola’s successful elevation of his son, Kayode Ariwoola Jnr, to a federal judge, and his younger brother, Adebayo Ariwoola, as the auditor of the National Judicial Council. Additionally, his nephew, Lateef Ganiyu, recently gained a promotion to the appeals court. Rights expert Chidi Odinkalu has observed a growing issue of nepotism within the judiciary, with Ariwoola’s relatives occupying various positions.

Despite attempts to seek clarification from both the chief justice and the Supreme Court’s spokesman, no response has been provided. Ariwoola, who assumed office in 2022, has raised concerns about the perceived independence of the judiciary, even as calls for judicial autonomy intensify.

The CJN initiated the process to nominate his daughter after receiving a letter on January 18, 2024, from Husseini Baba-Yusuf, the chief judge of the FCT High Court, announcing 12 new positions. Although states were designated to nominate candidates, it appears that Oyo, where Ariwoola hails from, was granted an additional slot, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

Critics argue that Oluwakemi Ariwoola’s nomination is contentious, given her junior status as a magistrate with only three years of experience. Judiciary workers express dissatisfaction, questioning the CJN’s influence over the nomination process.

Efforts to obtain comments from Mr. Baba-Yusuf were unsuccessful, but an anonymous court official suggested that he may attempt to address colleagues’ concerns to avoid controversy. However, the official expressed skepticism, citing the chief justice’s previous defiance in the face of public outcry over similar appointments.

As the controversy unfolds, legal experts speculate that internal tensions within the judiciary may escalate, with potential legal challenges against Chief Justice Ariwoola for alleged disregard of conflicts of interest.