Supreme Court regains 21 justices with new justice's swearing-in
The Supreme Court now has its full complement of 21 justices after Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun swore in Olubunmi Oyewole as a justice on Wednesday. Oyewole replaces Olukayode Ariwoola, whose retirement in 2024 left the South-west region's Supreme Court seat vacant, reducing the court to 20 justices. The CJN emphasized the court's commitment to strengthening public confidence in justice administration, urging Oyewole to contribute to coherent jurisprudence and constitutional clarity. She highlighted that full numerical strength enhances panel capacity, docket efficiency, intellectual diversity, and stability of legal interpretation. Oyewole's appointment follows NJC recommendation and Senate confirmation, restoring the court's constitutional mandate capacity. His judicial career includes handling high-profile cases like the 2001 $242 million bank fraud conviction and 2007 death sentence for murder.