Supreme Court says Acting CJN was born in 1954 — NOT 1958
Supreme court says acting CJN was born in 1954 — NOT 1958
On Monday, following the resignation of Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Olukayode Ariwoola was sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari as the acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Ariwoola is expected to serve in acting capacity until confirmation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the national assembly.
At the swearing-in ceremony in the presidential villa, the acting CJN swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the federal government, as well as defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, fresh questions have been raised over the credentials of Ariwoola, particularly on the date on which he began school.
BORN IN 1958 AND STARTED SCHOOL IN 1959?
Ariwoola was born in Iseyin, Oyo state, on August 22, 1958, according to information on the website of the supreme court.
The date of birth has now been edited and deleted, replaced by “he was born over 60 years ago”.
The site said he began his primary education less than a year later in 1959 at the Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole, in his hometown. He would spend eight years in school before graduating in 1967.
SUPREME COURT: 1954 LISTED ON HIS CV
Festus Akande, the spokesperson of the supreme court, however, said that the acting CJN was born in 1954.
According to section 291 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), a Supreme Court judge is expected to retire at the age of 70.
If Ariwoola was born in 1958, he would have served as the CJN — if confirmed by the senate — from 2022 to 2028. But being born in 1954 means the justice will only serve as the head of the apex court from 2022 to 2024.
-TheCable
