CJN Ariwoola Nominates Daughter-in-law As FCT High Court Judge, Sparking Controversy

CJN Ariwoola Nominates Daughter-in-law As FCT High Court Judge, Sparking Controversy

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has stirred controversy by reportedly nominating his daughter-in-law, Justice Victoria Oluwakemi Ariwoola, as a judge for the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. This revelation, disclosed through an internal memo seen by Peoples Gazette,  has ignited debates regarding nepotism and judicial integrity……READ ALSO CJN Swears In 11 New Supreme Court Justices

According to reports, the nomination process began after the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, notified Ariwoola, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, of 12 available positions in the court. Despite guidelines urging nominations from various states, concerns arose when it was revealed that Oyo, which already had two judges in the FCT High Court, was included to accommodate the CJN’s nomination of his daughter-in-law.

Critics have condemned the nomination, questioning its adherence to ethical standards and judicial independence. Justice Victoria Ariwoola’s relative lack of experience, with only three years as a magistrate, has fueled skepticism among judiciary workers and observers.

While Justice Baba-Yusuf reportedly seeks to avoid controversy, tensions persist within the judiciary, with fears of internal discord and perceptions of undue influence.

This development adds to previous controversies surrounding familial appointments within the judiciary, including the CJN’s appointment of his son as a Federal High Court judge and other relatives to prominent judicial positions.

As debates continue to unfold, the nomination of Justice Victoria Oluwakemi Ariwoola raises pertinent questions about the principles of meritocracy, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s judicial system.

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