A group of Civil Society Organizations is urging for an impartial investigation into accusations of nepotism and bias directed at the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
In a meeting led by the CJN, the National Judicial Council recommended his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., to be appointed as a Judge of the Federal High Court in July 2023.
Some legal practitioners in the nation opposed the appointment of Ariwoola’s son, emphasizing that judicial appointments should be based on merit.
Ariwoola has not confirmed, denied, or revoked the appointment.
Meanwhile, various groups under the banner of the Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability have also accused the CJN of naming his younger brother, Adebayo Ariwoola, as an auditor for the NJC.
Addressing the crowd during a demonstration near the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the leader of the groups, Martin Obono, who is a lawyer, insisted that the allegations must not be ignored.
He stated that should the CJN be found guilty after the investigation, appropriate action should be taken against him.
Obono expressed, “Hence, we request that: An independent inquiry into the appointment of Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. and nomination of Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola be undertaken to ascertain if there were other suitably qualified nominees.
“To adhere to the age-old judicial principle of nemo judex in causa sua, requesting that Justice Olukayode Ariwoola step aside as Chair of the National Judicial Council until the investigation is concluded.
“To conduct and finalize the investigation promptly and provide the results to the Petitioners and the Public.
“If Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is found to have violated the Code of Conduct, the appropriate disciplinary actions should be taken against him”.
Demonstrators, including members from the Public Interest Lawyers League; Open Justice Alliance; Tap iNitiative; and Citizens Gavel, among others, demanded the restructuring of the CJN’s office to prevent further misuse.
Numerous attempts to reach the Supreme Court’s spokesperson, Dr. Festus Akande, were unsuccessful.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no response from Akande to a message sent to him.