President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the independence of the Nigerian judiciary.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, at a book launch held in Abuja in honour of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the President noted that legislative initiatives are underway to support structural judicial reforms and ensure timely access to justice for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu praised Justice Ariwoola’s steadfast dedication to national service, describing his tenure as a clear demonstration of selfless leadership. He commended the retired jurist for viewing his role not just as a professional appointment but as a patriotic duty.
“Justice Ariwoola’s judgments continue to echo across Nigeria’s legal landscape, particularly in the resolution of complex constitutional and contractual disputes,” the President stated, reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to preserve and promote the independence of the judiciary.
Also speaking at the event, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, emphasized the enduring importance of leadership, accountability, and legacy. He described the book as not only a tribute to Justice Ariwoola’s legal accomplishments but also a vital archive of institutional memory.
“The work captures judicial decisions that have helped shape Nigeria’s constitutional, electoral, and administrative law,” Jonathan noted.
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), offers an in-depth chronicle of Justice Ariwoola’s career across Nigeria’s appellate courts and his impact on the nation’s jurisprudence.
Legal scholar and book reviewer, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, lauded the publication’s intellectual depth, describing it as a “sobering reflection on a judicial legacy defined by clarity, discipline, and precedent.”
During the launch, Dr. Mekwunye highlighted the unique consistency of Justice Ariwoola’s judicial philosophy, noting that the retired Chief Justice never delivered a dissenting judgment throughout his career but made landmark contributions through majority opinions.
The co-author also used the platform to call for urgent reform in the criminal justice system, particularly addressing the plight of detainees held for years without trial.
“It is unacceptable that some Nigerians have spent up to nine years in detention without being formally charged or granted bail. This is a violation of their fundamental rights and a stain on our justice system,” he said, urging the Federal Government to act decisively.
Dr. Mekwunye emphasized that genuine judicial reform must prioritize timely, equitable access to justice—especially for the most vulnerable members of society.
In his remarks, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola expressed profound gratitude for the honour and reflected on the solemn responsibilities of the judiciary. He reaffirmed his belief in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and encouraged young lawyers to embrace integrity, discipline, and service.
“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in every courtroom across this nation,” he declared.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
