A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has called for an independent investigation into the allegations of nepotism and favouritism against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The National Judicial Council at a meeting chaired by the CJN recommended his son, Olukayode Ariwoola jnr, as a Judge of the Federal High Court in July 2023.
Some lawyers in the country kicked against the appointment of Ariwoola’s son, noting that appointment as a judge should be by merit.
Ariwoola neither confirmed, denied nor rescinded the appointment.
Meanwhile, the groups under the aegis of the Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability also accused the CJN of appointing his younger brother, Adebayo Ariwoola, as an auditor for the NJC.
Speaking during a protest held on the road leading to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the leader of the groups, a lawyer, Martin Obono, said the allegations should not be swept under the carpet.
He added that the CJN if found guilty after the investigation, should be sanctioned.
Obono said, “We therefore request that: An independent inquiry into the appointment of Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. and nomination of Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola be conducted to determine whether there were other suitably qualified persons nominated.
“In line with the age-old judicial maxim nemo judex in causa sua, that Justice Olukayode Ariwoola be asked to recuse himself as Chairman of the National Judicial Council pending the determination of the investigation.
“That the investigation be conducted and concluded within the shortest possible time and the results of the investigation be made available to the Petitioners and the Public.
“That if Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is found to have breached the Code of Conduct, appropriate disciplinary measures be meted against him”.
Protesters compromising members from the Public Interest Lawyers League; Open Justice Alliance; Tap iNitiative and Citizens Gavel among others demanded that the office of the CJN be unbundled to avoid being further abused.
Many calls to the Supreme Court’s spokesperson, Dr Festus Akande, were not answered.
Akande has yet to respond to a message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.