Supreme Court of Nigeria Swears in Justice Oyewole

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun officiated the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Joseph Oyewole at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This event marked the restoration of the apex court to its full complement of 21 justices, as mandated by Section 230(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Justice Oyewole took an oath of allegiance and a judicial oath, formally empowering him to discharge his duties at the highest level of the judiciary. Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the significance of this event, emphasizing that a full bench strengthens the court's ability to manage its docket efficiently and tackle the backlog of pending cases.

She commended Justice Oyewole's career, noting his discipline, scholarship, independent thought, and clarity as vital qualities for the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice encouraged the new justice to exercise courage in dissenting opinions, underscoring the principle that dissent contributes to the evolution of legal doctrine.