Wike, Ortom, Others Present As Makinde Hosts CJN Ariwoola, Wife

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Saturday, hosted the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, and his wife at a reception held in Ibadan, the state capital.

Some of the dignitaries present at the reception include Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Uguwanyi (Enugu), and former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Speaking at the event, Makinde expressed delight that for the first time in its history the state has produced Nigeria’s number five citizen.

The governor said the emergence of Justice Ariwoola as the new CJN is a turning point, adding that old things have passed away and things have become new.

Makinde, therefore, said his administration would continue to promote the independence of the judiciary in the state.

He said: “I thank God for tonight and for the fact that the Supreme Court was powerfully moved to Oyo State, and what you see here in Nigeria. We have my Lords from different states and geopolitical zones of this country.

“This is a turning point. For the first time in the history of Oyo state, we have produced the number five citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, old things have passed away and things have become new.”

In his remarks, CJN Ariwoola promised not to let Nigerians down, adding that it is during Makinde’s time that the Yoruba has the position of the number five citizen.

He also called on politicians to allow the judiciary to perform its function while warning the judiciary to leave politics for politicians.

He said: “On October 12, when I was sworn in as the CJN in a substantive capacity, the governor appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of the entire Oyo state and the president just smiled, but maybe he did not understand.

“The Lord single-handedly, as He has always done, did it for my governor. It is during his time that the Yoruba has the position of the CJN again, which it last had 37 years ago.”