*Dr. Charles Mekwunye (SAN) says the forthcoming book launch scheduled for May 8, in Abuja, provides a comprehensive exploration of years of service of Olukayode Ariwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, in the country’s appellate courts

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister for Justice, and several other stakeholders in the legal profession are expected to grace the launch of a book chronicling the judicial career of Olukayode Ariwoola, ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The book, entitled: 鈥淗onourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON: Through the Cases”, is co-authored by senior lawyers, Dr. Charles Mekwunye (SAN) and Ayo Olanrewaju, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR).

Dr. Mekwunye, who spoke in Lagos, ahead of the book launch scheduled for May 8, in Abuja, FCT, disclosed the book provides a comprehensive exploration of Justice Ariwoola鈥檚 years of service in Nigeria鈥檚 appellate courts.

The legal expert said the volume also highlights former CJN’s significant contributions to the development of jurisprudence in Nigeria.

Mekwunye also explained the book critically examines Justice Ariwoola鈥檚 judgments, shedding light on his judicial philosophy and impact, as well as who Justice Ariwoola is through his judicial activities.

He equally emphasised that Justice Ariwoola, known for his adherence to legal precedent, never delivered a dissenting judgment throughout his career, yet advanced legal principles through his consensus opinions.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further said: 鈥淲hat we found so unique and interesting about him is that he never delivered a dissenting judgement. “When we inquired to know why this happened, it was discovered that he had actually taken a minority position many times but other majority voices in judgements at the end of the day deferred to him and his minority position finally adopted as the majority judgement.鈥�

Mekwunye, therefore, described Justice Ariwoola as a courageous judge, who always pursued the path of justice during his time in the Supreme Court.

He as well compared him to legendary jurists, such as Lord Denning and Lord Viscount Simmonds.

According to him, while Justice Ariwoola is not a reformist like Lord Denning, he also does not possess the ultra-conservative views of Lord Viscount Simmonds, but Justice Ariwoola could best be described as a “conservative judge”.

Mekwunye highlighted that the book reveals Justice Ariwoola’s character and ethos, making it a valuable reference for Judges and aspiring Judges.

The volume discusses many landmark cases the former CJN had decided.

Dr. Mekwunye stated: 鈥淗is lordship, Justice Ariwoola is a fearless, strong-willed, and incorruptible jurist鈥攁 consummate legal expert who has diligently and meticulously provided invaluable service to Nigeria through his judicial pronouncements and administrative competence.

鈥淗is vast experience in the study and practice of law, spanning over four decades, has made him a reservoir of knowledge.”

He said the book launch, in Abuja, would have in attendance “who is who” in the legal profession in Nigeria, top judicial officers, including the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a host of others.