IBADAN- Alumni Association of Ikolaba Grammar School, Ibadan (2000 set), has congratulated Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., son of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on his appointment as a Federal High Court judge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director of Information of National Judicial Council (NJC), Soji Oye, had recently announced Ariwoola Jr.’s appointment, alongside 22 others as Federal High Court judges.
NAN also reports that Ariwoola Jr. and other newly-appointed judges will be sworn-in on Wednesday in Abuja.
The alumni association’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr Biyi Jesufemie, the Secretary, Mr Olanrewaju Amos and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Taiwo Oluwadare and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The alumni said that Ariwoola Jr.’s outstanding qualities as a lawyer as well as his exemplary track record had earned him the position rather than his father’s influence.
They expressed their unwavering belief in his suitability for the esteemed position of a judge of the Federal High Court.
The alumni seized the opportunity to address the concerns raised about possible bias in the selection process, given Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s position as the NJC Chairman.
Reminiscing on the brilliance of the CJN’s son during their secondary school days, the old students marvelled at his determination and brilliance, citing his outstanding results in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).
According to them, the junior Ariwoola achieved a perfect score of ‘A1’ in all the subjects, earning him the opportunity to pursue a career in the science.
“However, he astounded his peers by opting for the arts, stating that he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a lawyer,” they said.
The alumni appreciated Ariwoola Jr. for bearing a striking resemblance with his father, both in physical appearance and behaviour, saying this was a testament to his desire to uphold his father’s legacy and contribute his own quota to the development of the legal profession. (NAN)
